FAITH AND WORKS; 



OR, 



THE LIFE 



OF 



E D ¥ A E D ¥ EJ I D, 

MINISTER OF THE, G^PEL. 

** Show me thy faith without thy works, 
And I will shew thee my faith by my works." 

James 2; IS, 



jJSujl 3V 



NEW YORK : 
C. W. BENEDICT, 12 SPRUCE STREET. 
1853. 



THE LIB* *Y 
Of CONURfcSS 

WASHINGTON 



INTRODUCTION. 



It was a pious thought to preserve some memorials 
of the character of such a man as Edward Weed. The 
remembrance of him is very precious to many who 
knew him, and these will highly prize the record of his 
life and labors, and the transcript of his thoughts and 
feelings, which are here collected. As a monument of 
Almighty grace, as a faithful laborer in the vineyard of 
the Lord, as a .zealous advocate of temperance and 
justice, as a patient sufferer of affliction and a grateful 
recipient of kindness showed for Christ's sake, as a man 
full of good works and of victorious faith, the church at 
large cannot but be profited by reading his biography, 
and learning his worth by the greatness of his loss. 

The natural qualities with which he was endowed, 
and the habits of thought and action which he acquired 
under parental training in his youth, helped to fit him 
for the chosen vessel which he afterwards became in 
the service of Christ. His tall and graceful person, his 
clear and musical voice, his frank and benevolent coun- 
tenance, his speaking eye, his kindness of manner, 
truthfulness and honesty, vigor of constitution, indus- 
trious and frugal habits, and early acquired power of 
self-denial, were precious advantages to him in the 



vi 



INTRODUCTION". 



course of duty which he entered upon at his conversion, 
and in the course of trials and toils through which his 
Master led him to the close of life. Mothers who ex- 
pect their sons to be true soldiers of the cross, must 
train them for it betimes, or the weakness of the earthly 
framework will give way under the labors of the im- 
pelling power within. 

The record, though too brief, of the labors and 
struggles through which he persevered to obtain an 
education for the work of the ministry, will be an en- 
couragement to many a young man hereafter, when 
the hearts of multitudes of our precious youth shall 
once more begin to kindle with irrepressible longings 
for the privilege of preaching to others the love of 
Christ which they have experienced in their own souls. 
M With ten dollars in money, and his extra clothing tied 
up in his pocket-handkerchief, he started on foot, with 
a light and thoughtful heart," from his father's house, 
to commence his studies at the Oneida Institute. A 
choice and remarkable band of youth were there col- 
lected, and they were taught, too, both in human learn- 
ing, and in the wisdom which cometh from above, as is 
shown by the influence of their labors there, and by 
the characters they exhibited in after life. u During 
Mr. Weed's four years of study at the Oneida Institute, 
by exercising close self-denial, and continuing in perse- 
vering effort to sustain himself, he succeeded without 
incurring debt." 

As a member of the first class that entered at Lane 
Seminary, after its organization in 1832, under the 
presidency of Dr. Beecher, he was again associated with 



INTRODUCTION . 



VII 



a company of very extraordinary young men. In their 
labors in conducting Sabbath-schools and Bible-classes, 
prayer-meetings and charitable societies, in visiting the 
sick and relieving the wretched, in promoting measures 
for education, in intense diligence in study, and in still 
more intense cultivation of the spirit of devotion and 
self-sacrifice, probably no equal number of theological 
students ever surpassed them. Their talents, their 
energy, their zeal in carrying out whatever they under- 
took, had awakened large hopes in regard to their 
future usefulness. The unfortunate decree of the 
trustees, in the absence of the president, prohibiting the 
students from further discussion of the subject of 
slavery, was justly regarded by them as an interference 
with the freedom of thought which is vital to the 
Gospel, and they heroically resolved that they could 
not submit to be thus in bonds. The honored faculty 
of the institution, whose proper prerogative was inter- 
fered with, decided otherwise ; but the history of the 
seminary to this day is an instructive comment on the 
capital mistake which was committed in the attempt to 
sacrifice and throw away such a cluster of rare and 
costly jewels. 

In his subsequent life, as a lecturer, a pastor, an 
evangelist, a reformer, and a sufferer, we have a fine 
sample of the true character and worth of a class of 
men in this country, who are not generally appreciated 
at their real value. The publication of this volume is 
to be commended, as affording the means in some 
degree of correcting this popular error. The extent of 
his labors, his diligence in study, his fidelity in main- 



Vlll 



INTRODUCTION. 



taining Christian order and discipline, the success of his 
efforts for the conversion of sinners, and the solid growth 
of the churches which he gathered under peculiar diffi- 
culties, entitle him to an honorable rank among the 
clergy of the country. Not Paul himself could show a 
fuller proof of the cleanness of his hands and the disin- 
terested benevolence of his heart, than was offered by 
this man, who, after laboring fourteen years in the 
ministry, among poor congregations, and on a scanty 
salary, and giving away at least eleven hundred dollars 
for benevolent objects (in addition to the constant 
drain of small sums for charity), closed his service by 
selling off his household goods to pay his current bills, 
and left his work as poor as when he began it. Add 
to this that his health was now prostrated, and his 
helplessness burdened with the responsibility of a wife 
and children dependent on him for support, and then 
read his testimony: — U I have the consciousness of 
having done my duty, and of having acted unselfishly, 
and though afflicted, I am not depressed in spirits •; I 
was never more cheerful and happy." * # * " I 
think I have done as God would have me do, and now 
I believe he will make me an example of what he 
would do for his people and his ministers if they 
would put their trust in him." 

Such a life was appropriately finished out, and such 
a character was worthily crowned by the trial of faith, 
the workings of experience, the patience of hope, and 
the victory over fear and death, which are shown in 
the records of those weary months of sickness and sor- 
row which closed his pilgrimage. In all the lives of 



INTRODUCTION. 



the saints on earth, T do not know of a more striking 

7 o 



case of a good man in straits, living so absolutely by 
faith, and that faith so constantly justified and honored 
by extraordinary displays of providential care, in sup- 
plying all his needs, making his bed in sickness, rais- 
ing him up friends among strangers, and opening the 
hearts of those who never saw him to contribute for his 
comfort. Those pious people at Chester, in England, 
what blessings they had in their souls, for the un- 
wearied kindness which they showed to this servant of 
Christ. 

The privilege of ministering to him during the first ^ Ci£ 
day of his return to his own home, and of watching "' /* <3Lj?f 
the last night of his abode on earth, is worth being 
remembered by one who is unworthy. May the bless- 
ing of the Lord accompany this feeble testimonial to 
one of his honored ministers. J. L, 




CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Page 



Early Life — Conversion * 1 

CHAPTER II. 
Scraps from Diary . 6 

CHAPTER III. 
Call to Preach— Student Life 14 

CHAPTER IV. 
Theological Studies— (Diary continued) 22 

CHAPTER V. 

Leaves Lane— Licenced to Preach — Anti-Slavery Labors 
—Marriage 32 

CHAPTER VI. 
Letters continued — Closes his A. S. Labors 47 

CHAPTER VII. 
Call to Mount Vernon — Pastoral Labors 66 



xii 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER VIIL 

Page 

Call to Paterson — Takes a Tour East—Letters 77 

CHAPTER IX. 
Leaves Mount Vernon and goes to Paterson — Letters. ... 88 

CHAPTER X. 

Unites the Labors of an Evangelist with that of a Pastor 102 

CHAPTER XI. 
Begging Tour — Death of Mrs. Weed — Call to Brooklyn . 119 

CHAPTER XII. 

Removes to Brooklyn — Second Marriage — Finishes his 
Labors in Brooklyn 132 

CHAPTER XIII 
Returns to Paterson —Letters — Temperance 143 

CHAPTER XIV. 
Extracts from Letters and Diary 159 

CHAPTER XV. 

Extract from Letters up to the time of his protracted Ill- 
ness 179 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Sickness — Resigns his Charge — Leaves Paterson — Letters 
during his Illness — Hopes and Fears 195 



CONTENTS. 



Xlll 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Page 



Leaves Mexico ville — Goes to New York — Health Im- 
proves — Sails for Liverpool 218 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
Letters from England — Journal 233 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Return to America — Last Illness — Death — Extracts from 
Letters of Friends 261 

Remarks on the Life of the Rev. Edward Weed, 
by the Rev. Samuel D. Cochran, Paterson, N. J., June 
23, 1851 285 

The Substance of an Address delivered at the 
Funeral of Rev. E. Weed, by the Rev. W. H. Horn- 
blower, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of 
Paterson, January 23, 1851 294 



CHAPTEE I. 



EARLY LIFE. CONVERSION. 

Edward "Weed, the subject of this memoir, 
was the son of Philo and Abigail Weed, and 
was born in North Stamford, Conn., July 
17th, A. D. 1807. 

He was the third of a family of ten chil- 
dren, seven sons and three daughters. All 
but three of the ten survived him ; one died 
in infancy, the others all became heads of 
families. 

His ancestry were of Puritan origin, and 
justly classed with those who receive the encour- 
agement of Jehovah, written with the law of 
Sinai, " showing mercy unto thousands of 
those who love me and keep my command- 
ments." From his earliest life his mother 
cherished an earnest desire, accompanied with 
a comforting assurance, that he would one day 
stand acceptably upon the walls of Zion to 
proclaim the gospel. And there is reason to 
believe that this desire and assurance were 



EDWAKD WEED. 



accompanied on the part of his parents by a 
cordial and hearty consecration of their child 
to God, and the training of him in the nurture 
and admonition of the Lord. 

Both parents lived to hear him preach. 
The writer has often witnessed the fixed atten- 
tion and glistening eyes of his father, as he 
received from his son's lips the words of life, 
and seemed, in no common degree, thus to feed 
upon heavenly manna. 

He enjoyed New England advantages for 
education until nine or ten years of age. 

In A. D. 1817 his father removed with his 
family to Denmark, Lewis County, N. Y., 
then a new country, with comparatively few 
religious or educational privileges. When he 
arrived at a suitable age he commenced 
learning a trade. This, though not congenial 
to his literary taste, was apparently the only 
course for him to take. 

When he was in his eighteenth year a 
precious revival occurred in the town where 
his parents resided. His brother Henry, a 
few years older than himself, was hopefully 
converted, and in the zeal of his first love, as 
he went from house to house, and shop to 
shop, to exhort his young companions, he was 
also deeply earnest, in behalf of his younger 
brother, and rested not, in pleading and 



FAITH AKD WORKS. 



z 



prayer, until lie was with him rejoicing in 
hope of the glory of God. Edward soon after 
made a public profession of his faith in Christ, 
and about the same time began anxiously to 
inquire respecting his duty to prepare to 
preach the gospel. Many obstacles stood in 
the way. How could he, a youth ^without 
means, his education up to this date limited, 
with any hope of success, attempt to gain a 
thorough preparation to preach ? To meet the 
expense of the usual college and theological 
studies seemed impossible. 

Simple, child-like faith, from his first con- 
secration to God, was the moving spring of all 
his future course. He believed, if God called 
him to preach, he would make the way plain, 
and provide the means. He left his trade, and 
began to use such facilities for the improve- 
ment of his mind, as he could obtain. By per- 
severance in private study a year or two, he 
prepared himself to teach school. As he press- 
ed forward from one way mark to another, sta- 
tioned by the providence of God in his path, 
he appeared to many only as an ambitious 
youtthful enthusiast pursuing a phantom. 
Such persons were not acquainted with the zeal 
that glowed in that young heart to do good. 

They understood not the sanctified power of 
that young spirit, who, when the path of duty 



4 



EDWARD WEED. 



was once made known, never, for a moment, 
suffered the word " fail" to influence him, as he 
pressed forward to its fulfilment. 

They appreciated not the source of that con- 
fidence in God which filled his heart, and led 
him to exclaim, in the language of the poet: 

" Unwavering faith the promise sees, 
And looks to God alone, 
Laughs at impossibilities, 
And cries it shall be done I" 

He used often, in after life, to say to the 
young, who were tempted to give up effort in 
a good cause, because there were many ob- 
stacles in the way — " If you have light enough 
to make clear to you one step in the path of 
duty, take that, and trust for the next. Don't 
refuse to go forward because you cannot see a 
long way and a clear way before you." This 
was an early lesson with him, and one that in- 
fluenced all his Christian life. 

In the Autumn of 1826, when he was nine- 
teen years of age, he became for a few months 
a voluntary colporteur, intending to locate 
himself in some school for the winter, as 
a teacher, if a favorable opportunity should 
present. 

Of his state of mind, purposes, and success, 



FAITH AND WORKS. 5 

at this period, we are informed by a journal or 
diary, which he commenced, and which was 
continued at intervals during his subsequent 
life. 



CHAPTEE II. 



SCRAPS FROM DIARY. 

The book in which Mr. Weed's journal is 
found was prefaced with the following prayer 
of consecration : 

" Grant, O, gracious God, that this book 
may be kept in thy fear. Deliver me from 
all hypocrisy in writing. Help me to ex- 
amine my heart always before I write. May 
I may be enabled to record all thy dealings 
with me, with an eye single to thy glory; and 
may it prove a means of spurring me on to 
duty. I ask it for Christ's sake." 

" Oct. 28th y 1826.— Left Utica, and the same 
evening stopped at Floyd to spend the night. 
I had poor success in selling books to-day ; 
but felt entirely to put my trust in God, 
both as to temporal and spiritual things. O, 
that I may be an instrument in the hands of 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



7 



God, of promoting the cause of true religion 
in every place where I may go. May I deep- 
ly appreciate the interests of the Redeemer's 
cause. 

" Nov. 2d. — Stayed over night in Trenton. 
"Went in the evening to a prayer meeting at 
the Rev. Mr. Whitmore's. The room was 
crowded to overflowing, and a general solem- 
nity prevailed. I had good success in dis- 
posing of books and papers in Trenton. 

"Nov. 3d. — Came to Russia and called upon 
the Rev. Mr. Wilcox. Mrs. W.'s health is very 
poor, and his congregation is so scattered as 
to make his field of labor a laborious one. 
The people are much pleased with* him, and 1 
trust he may be a great blessing to them. 
Went up to the school-house, where was con- 
vened a church-meeting. I was introduced 
to Deacon F., who invited me home with him 
to spend the Sabbath. I found his family 
agreeable and pleasant, and I could but re- 
joice in the goodness of God to me, an un- 
worthy creature. 

" 5th.—Sahbath. — The sun arose in clearness 
and splendor, and seemed in his rejoicing to 
say, ; This day is hallowed of the Lord.' I 
went to hear Mr. Wilcox preach. His text in 
the A. M. was, ' Revive thy work, O Lord, in 
the midst of these years.' In the P. M. he 



8 



EDWARD WEED. 



preached from, ' As I was busy here and 
there, he was gone.' It was an excellent dis- 
course, and a great solemnity prevailed in the 
congregation ; the spirit of the Lord was 
evidently there. 

" 6th. — This morning I walked several miles 
before breakfast. I was introduced to a young 
man who has recently become a Christian. 
He seemed to truly rejoice in God. Called 
on another man who invited me into his house, 
at the same time saying his business was such 
that he could not spend any time with me. 
He was not a Christian, but I found his wife 
and daughter were both Christians, and had an 
agreeable and interesting interview with 
them. 

" I went in the evening, with Deacon M. 3 to 
a house not far distant, to hold a prayer meet- 
ing. There was none attended the meeting 
but the Deacon and myself. We had a very 
interesting season with the family of the house. 
Something was said about my taking the 
school in that neighborhood to teach through 
the winter, and I proposed teaching for eleven 
and a half dollars a month, commencing with 
the first of December. 

" 7th. — Came directly to Boonville. Nothing 
of importance occurred during the day. Put 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



9 



up at night with a Mr. S. This evening wrote 
a letter to a friend. 

"8th. — To-day passed through Leyden and 
Turin. I did not stay long in either of the 
places. I put up for the night with Elder 
Ashley's family in Martin sburg. Spent the 
evening very agreeably in this pious family. 
The Lord has dealt out his blessings to me, 
while on this journey, with a bountiful hand. 
Truly I have great reason, (in the language of 
the Psalmist,) to call upon all that is within 
me, afid around me, to bless, praise and mag- 
nify the name of the Lord, for his goodness 
and wonderful works to the children of men ; 
and his great mercy towards me, who am the 
least worthy of such blessing. 

" 9th. — Passed through M. and L. ; did not 
stop long enough in either place to do any 
business, feeling an anxiety to get home. I 
arrived at my father's house about 8 o'clock 
this evening ; found the family all well. It is 
truly delightful, after a long absence, to meet 
the loved circle, with whom we have spent the 
years of childhood ; to greet those dear parents 
who watched over our helpless infancy, and 
who are ever alive to our interests and web 
fare. 

" 13th. — After spending three days with my 
friends, I came to-day to Champion. Went 



10 



EDWARD WEED. 



this evening to a prayer meeting. The Lord 
is pouring out his blessed spirit upon this 
people ; turning the hearts of sinners to him- 
self ; and causing them to rejoice with joy un- 
speakable and full of ffloiy. 

" 17th. — Have had pretty good success for 
several days past. I feel as though, the God 
of Jacob has been with me, since I have been 
on this journey, and I am yet a monument of 
his sparing mercy. Oh, that my heart was 
more devoted to his cause, and less attached 
to the things of the world. 

" 18th. — Went to "Watertown ; called on Dea- 
con B, ; found his family very agreeable. 

One of his children has recently experienced 
religion, and is rejoicing in hope of the glory 
of God. I went to hear Rev. Mr. Boardman 
preach, and was much edified by his discourse. 

" Dec. 4, 1826. — Commenced my school to- 
day, in the town of Boonville, in the neigh- 
borhood of Deacon Mitchell. 1 feel that I am 
placed in an important situation, and that I 
stand in need of divine aid and counsel. Oh, 
that God would endow me with wisdom that I 
may gain the affection and fear of my scholars, 
so that I may be enabled to instruct them in 
the different branches of science; and, above 
all, direct their young and tender minds to the 
' Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the 



FAITH AND WOKKS. 



world.' Oh God, wilt thou be with me and 
help me V 

Here we find this young disciple, not yet 
twenty years of age, weighed down in view of 
the worth of the soul, and his responsibilities 
as a teacher ; but as he was ever wont to do, 
looking up in sweet confidence to the Hills 
whence his help ever came. 

" 7th. — This day is set apart by the Governor 
of the State as a day of public thanksgiving to 
Almighty God for the signal blessings, both 
temporal and spiritual, that he has granted 
unto the people of this Slate. Oh! that I 
may enter into the true spirit and temper of 
thanksgiving. No one has been more sig- 
nally blest than myself. He has brought me 
in a way that I knew not, and has kept me 
from many temptations incident to persons of 
my age. Not unto me, but unto His name, be 
glory and praise. 

" 11th. — Sabbath. — I am now four miles from 
church, but am enabled to go on foot every 
Sabbath with ease. Where the heart is en- 
gaged difficulties are easily surmounted. I 
have felt deeply during the day for the salva- 
tion of my scholars. In the evening I at- 
tended a meeting that was appointed in the 



12 



EDWARD WEED. 



school-house where I teach. I felt humbled, 
and as though I could get down in the dust at 
my Saviour's feet, and commit myself with all 
my cares to him, believing his grace is suffi- 
cient for me. 

"March 31s£, 1827. — Closed my school in 
Boonville. It was an affecting season to me — 
parting with those young immortals with 
whom I have spent four months as their 
teacher. God grant that none of them inay, 
through my neglect or wrong example, go 
down to destruction. Before closing I read to 
them the eighth chapter of Proverbs, and 
made some remarks, endeavoring to impress 
upon their minds the importance of attending 
to the calls of wisdom now, in the days of 
their youth. Most of them were affected to 
tears. I then presented each of them with 
a book, and asked the blessing of God 
upon them. "We then separated, probably 
never to meet all together again, until we 
meet at the judgment of the great day. Did 
all teachers of youth but reflect upon that day, 
how differently would they teach and conduct 
before their pupils! I have been sensible of 
many errors in conduct. I have often been 
light and trifling, which has, in the retrospect, 
caused me many dark, distressing hours. 
Oh ! that God would forgive me this great 



FAITH AND WORKS* 



13 



wickedness, and help me to overcome the evil 
tendencies of a depraved heart ! Oh, Sa- 
viour ! subdue it to thyself. When I reflect 
upon the unnumbered mercies and blessings 
God has bestowed upon me, and upon the 
poor returns I have made, I am astonished at 
his long-suffering and loving-kindness. I can 
only exclaim, Father ! I have sinned against 
heaven and in thy sight. I pray thee remove 
this heart of flint, and give me a heart of 
flesh, one that will be susceptible of gratitude 
to thee. And oh ! may I be an instrument in 
thy hands of building up the walls of Zion." 



CHAPTER III. 



CALL TO PREACH STUDENT LIFE. 

"April 27th, 1827. — My mind has for some 
time been much perplexed to know what my 
duty is, respecting my calling in life. That is, 
in what business or occupation can I be most 
useful, in promoting the cause of Christ, and 
the welfare of my fellow-men ? To live for self, 
is to live for nought. I do desire, God assist- 
ing me, to devote my time, talents, and strength, 
in the service of my Ee'deemer. 

" The following queries, have presented them- 
selves to my mind, relative to a call to the min- 
istry of the gospel : — 1st, Am I willing to sac- 
rifice all worldly pleasure, riches and honor, 
and bear the reproaches of the wicked — in 
faithfulness reproving the sinner, whether rich 
or poor, high or low? 2d, Arn I willing to 
have my name cast out as evil, for the sake of 
Christ ; and to labor in any part of the world, 
that the glory of God shall require, and spend 



FAITH AND WOKKS. 



15 



my whole life in this service ? 3d, Is my love 
for Christ such, that I would willingly lay down 
my life for his cause ? Oh ! my soul, decide 
upon these points, as in the fear of God ; weigh 
the matter well ; count the cost, before you de- 
cide upon a work of such vast importance. Oh, 
God of mercy, wilt thou assist me in this great 
and arduous work ? oh, help me, dear Saviour, 
to keep my heart, and bring my whole body 
into subjection to thy law ; cause me to know 
where thou feedest thy flock at noon, and may 
I pitch my tent by the Shepherd's tent. Fur- 
nish me to the work thou hast called me to ; 
enable me to discharge every duty, and employ 
every moment to the honor and glory of thy 
great name." 

In the spring of 1827, an institution of learn- 
ing was established at \Yhitestown, Oneida 
County, N. Y., called " The Oneida Institute." 
It was one of the first, if not the first, on the 
manual labor plan, and was intended to supply 
the means, to indigent young men, of obtaining 
a thorough collegiate education, by their own ef- 
fort. It was at first rather unpopular — this at- 
tempt to unite labor with learning. But there 
were young men whose hearts were burning with 
zeal to preach the gospel, who were poor, and 
without friends able to assist them, who came 
forward and soon filled the new rooms of this 



16 



EDWARD WEED. 



novel Institution. Many of them became 
scribes, well instructed, and have labored faith- 
fully and successfully as ministers, in the fields 
to which they have been called. 

Edward Weed believed this to be another 
voice of Providence, saying to him, " Go for- 
ward." He writes, May 6th, " I contemplate 
going to the Oneida Institute, where I can have 
an opportunity of working for my board. I 
have great need to feel my dependence more 
upon God ; for should I gain all knowledge, 
and possess all the powers of eloquence, so that 
I could display that knowledge to the best ad- 
vantage, it will be of no avail, unless sanctified 
by the Holy Spirit. May I go there in the fear 
and love of God, ever remembering that lie 
worketh in me both to will and to do" 

With ten dollars in money, and his extra 
wearing apparel tied up in his pocket handker- 
chief, he started on foot, with a light and thank- 
ful heart, for this institution. He entered it on 
the first day of its opening, and sustained him- 
self there for four years, by two or three hours' 
labor each day, and teaching school during 
their three months' vacation. He saw times 
when he knew not where to obtain the next 
penny, being too honest to borrow, without 
knowing when or how he could pay. At one 
time, he sat two or three evenings in his room 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



17 



in darkness, without the means of purchasing a 
light, sorrowing most of all that his studies must 
thus be retarded. On his face, with tears, he 
presented his case to Him, who hears the young 
ravens when they cry. In the morning relief 
came, and he was often heard to say, this kind 
and marked interposition of Providence, so 
strengthened his faith, that in all his subse- 
quent course he always had the greatest confi- 
dence, in every strait, that relief would, just at 
the right time, come. It often came unsought, 
and from unknown sources ; he always feeling 
and acting as though directly from the hand of 
his Heavenly Father. 

During this part of his life, on the Sabbath, 
he went out into destitute neighborhoods and 
established Sabbath-schools, or labored in sus- 
taining those already in operation. From the 
seed thus sown churches grew, and he was af- 
terward permitted to stand and preach, in the 
places where he once stood as Sabbath-school 
superintendent or teacher. 

The prayer meeting was also a place whither 
he ever loved to resort, to mingle his petitions 
with those who loved the prosperity of Zion. 
But like many, who have devoted their time to 
the study of the sciences, we soon find him 
complaining of his heart being drawn away 
2* 



18 



EDWARD WEED. 



from the usual frequent and deep communings 
of God with his soul. 

" May \Mh. — The mercies of the past week 
have been administered to me by the liberal 
hand of my kind Heavenly Father, but I have 
not been suitably affected by them. I have 
reason to call upon my soul, and all that is 
within me, to praise the Lord ; but I have to 
mourn my insensibility to such infinite love. 

" June 30th. — This day has been set apart by 
this institution as a day of fasting and prayer. 
I would ask myself, what I have most reason" 
to be humble for? What are my most easily 
besetting sins? How have I been brought in- 
to my present unfeeling state ? Why are my 
thoughts so rarely dwelling upon heavenly and 
divine things? May I have wisdom imparted 
to me from above, that I may examine my 
heart, that I may know its secret springs of ac- 
tion — know my sins, and have a just sense of 
their aggravation. 

" Evening. — While reflecting, to-day, upon 
my manner of life since I became a member of 
this institution, my coldness and indifference 
justly bring me charged with wounding Christ 
in the house of his friends, and stupidly leav- 
ing in peril souls for whom he died. But ' I 
will arise and go to my Heavenly Father.' Oh, 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



19 



that I may not live to bring reproach, upon his 
blessed cause, and dishonor his glorious name. 

" 31st — Sabbath. — This is a beautiful morning, 
the air is mild and pleasant, and all the vege- 
table and animal creation appear to praise their 
great Creator. Surely man, the most noble 
specimen of creation, should unite in their 
praises to his Maker and Redeemer. My soul, 
delay not thou a moment in rising from the 
things of the world, to things unseen and 
heavenly. 

" Oct. 1st, 1827. — This day is set apart as a 
day of fasting and humiliation before God, by 
the members of this institution. I hope he may 
send down his blessed Spirit, and cause his 
gracious influences to be felt in our midst. In 
looking back upon my life during the past sea- 
son, I can see that while I thought myself to be 
supremely attached and devoted to God, my 
life and conversation has done much to promote 
the cause of Satan. How can a being thus 
wrapt up in self, promote the cause of that glo- 
rious Being, whose name is Love ? 

" 3d. — The last two days have been days of 
great solemnity. Appearances encourage us 
to believe that God is about to pour out his 
Spirit upon us. May this be our blessed case, 
and may my own heart share largely in the 
work. 



20 



EDWARD "WEED. 



" 4th. — Attended the opening of the Albany 
Synod. The sermon was preached by Rev. 
Mr. B., of Troy. His text was, ' Preach the 
gospel to every creature. 5 1st, What is the 
gospel? Good news. "What does the term 
preach signify ? To proclaim as a herald- 
Hence, the command is, to proclaim as a herald 
God's message of good news to lost men, to 
every creature ; not merely about us, but to 
every creature every where — the rich, the poor, 
the honorable and the despised, the youth, mid- 
dle-aged and aged. His remarks were cutting. 

" ISth. — Heard Rev. John Frost preach from 
Psalm cxix. 72. 'The law of thy mouth is bet- 
ter unto me than thousands of gold and silver. 5 
1st, Introductory remarks. 2d, Contrasted the 
blessings flowing from riches with those flow- 
ing from obedience to the law of God. In his 
remarks he said, if the law of the Lord was 
more precious than thousands of gold and sil- 
ver, how diligent we should be in searching it 
out. Parents who teach their children the fear 
of God and love of his law, bestow on them a 
better legacy than thousands of gold and silver. 

" 15th. — Received a letter from friend R. S. 
M. Wrote one to Br. William. Oh, that the 
Lord would sanctify it to the salvation of his 
soul." 

During Mr. Weed's four years of study at the 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



21 



Oneida Institute, by his exercising close self- 
denial, and continuing in persevering effort to 
sustain himself, he succeeded without incurring 
debt. 

" His indefatigable industry, manly deport- 
ment, and ardent piety, secured to him many 
friends, and confidence was placed in him, 
which gave him posts of honor and places of 
trust. 55 

Having passed honorably through with his 
collegiate course, he returned home to his pa- 
rents, and for a year or more was engaged in 
teaching school in that vicinity ; also pursuing 
his own studies without instructors. 



CHAPTEE IV. 



THEOLOGICAL STUDIES. 
(diary continued.) 

In 1832 a theological seminary was com- 
menced at Walnut Hills, near Cincinnati, 
Ohio, called Lane Seminary. This was a 
manual labor institution, presenting facilities 
to the indigent student not fonnd in any other 
theological seminary at that time established 
in the country. 

Dr. Lyman Beecher of Boston, became its first 
President; and Mr. Weed, with others, who 
pursued their collegiate course at Oneida In- 
stitute, constituted a goodly portion of the first 
class of students. 

With a talented president, and a comple- 
ment of competent professors, he commenced 
his theological studies with the fairest pros- 
pects of attaining what he ardently desired, a 
thorough preparation to preach the gospel. 



FAITH AND WOKKS. 



23 



Early in the spring of 1832 he went forth 
empty-handed to this new hall of science, yet 
nothing doubting that the God in whom Abra- 

O CD 

ham trusted would be his God, direct his every 
step, and provide for every want. 

His occasional diary, at this date, refers al- 
most entirely to his private reading and labors, 
and his religious exercises. He writes, 

" May 28th, 1832.— Have this morning fin- 
ished reading the memoir of Pastor Oberlin. 
Never have I taken up a book with expecta- 
tions less raised, or laid one down better satis- 
fied that my time has been well spent. The 
book is extremely modest and unassuming in 
its appearance. One would suppose from the 
manner in which it is done up it was merely a 
book to please children. But few histories of 
pious and distinguished persons are better 
adapted to excite the reader to lively activity, 
than this simple narrative of Oberlin's faith, 
zeal, and labors. The style of the author is 
unusually pleasing ; perfect simplicity is main- 
tained throughout ; no effort made at display ; 
no desire manifested to make the good pastor 
the hero of a story. The whole is a simple 
narrative of heart-melting, spirit-stirring facts. 
No Christian can sit down to their perusal 
without being more excited and encouraged in 
the work of doing good." 



24 



EDWARD WEED. 



" Oct. — —My dear brother, William Hen- 
ry, died the first of this month. Sick only 
twelve hours. He died at Newark, N. T., and 
was much respected by the citizens of that 
place. He had no time to speak of hopes or 
fears, being insensible from the first. If un- 
prepared — oh ! dreadful thought. ' The judge 
of all the earth will do right.' 

" This has been a dreadful month. The 
cholera has been among us doing its work of 
death. Many wives have been made widows, 
and children, fatherless. And oh ! what a 
number of souls hurried unprepared into eter- 
nity. From four to five hundred of the popu- 
lation of Cincinnati died in the short space of 
three weeks.' 5 

" Nov. 25th. — Attended meeting in the city, 

and heard Dr. B ■ preach a sermon, rich in 

gospel truth, from 1 John v. 4. He drew a 
comparison between the joys of sense and 
those of religion, and showed how faith over- 
comes the world. I assumed the responsi- 
bility of superintending the Sabbath-school in 
the Sixth Church. Perhaps I have been un- 
wise. This much is certain, some of the breth- 
ren ought to go forward. All that were suit- 
able refused. The cause of Sabbath-schools is 
perishing for want of help. I am determined 
to go forward, leaning upon the arm of the 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



25 



Lord. Took a class likewise in the Fourth 
Church. 

" Sabbath evening I spent mostly in reading 
the 'Natural History of Enthusiasm.' Its au- 
thor is yet unknown. It is a work character- 
ized by deep thought, expressed in vigorous 
and enchanting language, and the whole bap- 
tized with the spirit of the gospel. JSTo Chris- 
tian can attentively peruse its pages without 
being searched and edified. No part of the 
book, which I have read, but what is full 
of useful remark and instruction. But his 
thoughts on the enthusiasm of prophetical in- 
terpretation and a special providence, which 
have occupied my attention this evening, are 
unusually pertinent, judicious, and weighty. 
They are well worthy the serious attention of 
those who love the weal of Zion, at the present 
time. 

"Dec. 23d. — Spent the evening in reading 
from the 4 Remains of Cecil,' a book of inesti- 
mable value to the minister. c Cecil' was a 
master-mind, and deeply read in the workings 
of the human heart. His remarks ought to be 
read, re-read, and read again. 

" Some of his views are singular, perhaps 
wrong. His notions of ministerial dignity, I 
think fallacious. It is not reasonable for me to 
suppose, because 1 have devoted myself to one 



26 



EDWARD WEED, 



profession, and another person to another, that 
the latter can give me no valuable hints in my 
calling ; or that if he attempts the thing, I 
ought to repel him as an ignorant assumer. 
No ; let me candidly hear his suggestions, and 
if he be wrong, let me convince him of it. It 
is the part of true dignity to learn of all. It is 
said that Perkins, the celebrated steam-engi- 
neer, spent much time and several thousand 
dollars to remedy a defect in the machinery 
of his steam-engine, which was finally accom- 
plished by a leather strap, which was suggested 
by a by-stander, and cost only eighteen-pence. 
4 The mind that is fully possessed with the 
desire to know good things, and infuse a 
knowledge of them into others, when such a 
man would speak, his words, like so many 
nimble and airy servitors, trip about him at 
command, and in well-ordered files, as he 
would wish, fall aptly into their places.' La- 
vater and Cecil were constantly in the habit 
of reading men, and instead of a fictitious 
character, in their illustrations, they always 
took a real one. A good plan. 

" Dec. 25th. — The man who would find 
happiness, must even bear to have it beaten 
into him. ]STo one ever found it by chance or 
yawned it into being with a wish. 

" 26th. — Went to city to-day, and heard the 



FAITH AND WOBKS. 



27 



inaugural addresses of Dr. Beecher and Pro- 
fessor Biggs. I was highlv delighted with 
them, particularly with the Doctor's. He treat- 
ed the whole subject of education with a mas- 
terly hand. The charge of the trustees of the 
Institution to the candidates, by Mr. Galligher, 
was fine and heart moving. His own feelings 
kindled, and his tears flowed in unison with 
many others. His eloquence is Nature's elo- 
quence. 

" Bought another blank book to-day, and 
am determined, from this time forward, to re- 
cord whatever train of thought shall appear to 
me profitable, which may occur in my various 
reading. I am fully convinced my manner of 
reading, thinking and acting, has been alto- 
gether too desultory and unsystematized. I 
am now twenty-five years old, and have spent 
from five to six years in close study. Have 
thought much upon a variety of subjects, and 
have written but little upon any ; of course my 
acquirements must be a disorganized, un- 
digested, crude mass. "With the help of God, 
I am determined to be more diligent thorough 
and systematic in all my efforts. 

u 31st, 10 o'clock, evening. — Have spent the 
evening thus far in examining the institution 
of the Lord's Supper. My mind was drawn to 
the investigation of this subject by having wit- 



28 



EDWARD WEED. 



nessed its celebration yesterday ; when, I 
thought, there was a manifest departure from 
the mode laid down in scripture. My opinion 
has been fully confirmed by the investigation. 
Ministers are altogether too careless upon sub- 
jects of this nature. There ought to be great 
care to administer the ordinances of the Gos- 
pel, as far as practicable, according to script- 
ural instruction. Otherwise, by constant in- 
novations and changes, their original beauty 
and simplicity will be done away, and the 
tiling represented by them lost sight of. The 
Romish Church is an example. — I have re- 
solved to spend the coining day in a retrospect 
of the past year. I am almost afraid to com- 
mence the work, so much of the past year has 
been flittered away. There are so many gross 
violations of duty, so many opportunities of 
doing good neglected, so much coldness and 
deadness has pervaded my soul, that it is a 
fearful, dreadful business. Were God strict to 
mark iniquity, even for this one year, I should 
sink to the lowest hell. I have lived twenty- 
five years, and none of them have been less 
sinful than the last. Where could I flee were 
it not for the Saviour ? Commenced a letter 
to my parents, giving them a short account of 
my labors and studies the past year. 

" Jan. 6th, 1833. — Arose this morning with 



FAITH AND WOEKS. 



29 



my spirits much depressed. Have felt, for a 
few days, some alarming symptoms of disease ; 
a pain in the pit of my stomach, which causes 
me much trouble. 

Spent Saturday .afternoon at Mr. Brainard's, 
in arranging the Sabbath-school Library be- 
longing to his Church. While there I saw 

Mr. and Mrs. . They are returned 

missionaries. Within a few weeks past, I have 
frequently met with them. His health is poor 
and his mind beclouded. They are both per- 
fect specimens of hypochondria in religion. 
May the Lord preserve me from such a state. 
This morning I attended a communion season 
at the seminary. I was again pained at the 
departure from the Scriptural manner of ad- 
ministering the ordinance. Singing was inter- 
spersed through the whole service, and the 
bread broken by each communicant. 

u 7th. — This day has been set apart, by several 
denominations of Christians, throughout the 
United States, as a season of fasting and prayer 
for the conversion of the world. Three of the 
churches in Cincinnati united together in the 
observance of it. I was privileged with at- 
tending their meetings. Seldom has it been 
my lot to witness more interesting and sol- 
emn convocations of the people of God. 
There is every reason to believe that a re- 
3* 



so 



EDWARD WEED. 



vival is commencing in Cincinnati. May 
tlie Lord grant it to be one of exceeding 
power. In the evening, attended the con- 
cert in the Fourth. Church, and made a state- 
ment of missionary facts. When will my 
stupid heart become thoroughly penetrated 
with the love of God? 

" 12th, — I am at present engaged evenings, 
in reading Williams' Commentary on Solo- 
mon's Songs. This book, on account of its high 
wrought eastern figures, has always been to me 
one of difficult interpretation. I hope to bo. 
much benefitted by the volume before me. 

13th. — Sabbath. — In the morning I was en- 
gaged in investigating what is meant by being 
created in the image of God. Perhaps the 
popular opinion may not be the true one : Gen. 
i. 27; v. 1,3; 2d Cor. iii. 18; Col. iii. 
10 ; Eph. iv. 21 ; 1 John iii. 2 ; 1 Cor. xv. 49. 
In the morning, heard a missionary sermon 
from Mr. B. He is a man full of the sj)irit and 
love of the gospel. By zeal and love he will 
do much to awaken the western churches. 
His sermon wanted system. Philosophy, 
doctrines, facts and applications, were all 
mingled together. In the evening I heard 
Bro. Brainard preach. His subject was the 
terror of the law. His sermon was well 



FAITH AND WOKKS. 



31 



arranged, admirably -illustrated, and deliv- 
ered with much feeling. 

" 2ith. — Have been engaged, when not oc- 
cupied with seminary duties, for several days 
past, in writing letters to friends. Sent a folio 
sheet to my parents." 



CHAPTER V. 



LEAVES LANE LICENSED TO PREACH — •ANTI- 
SLAVERY LABORS MARRIAOK. 

For nearly three years after Mr. Weed went 
to Lane Seminary, lie pursued Lis theological 
studies with assiduity and success ; and was 
already anticipating their completion and his 
license to preach, when a circumstance occur- 
red, wl^ich changed the whole aspect of his 
future. 

In the literary society to which he belonged, 
the Anti-slavery question was taken up and 
discussed as a mere chance question. The 
subject elicited much interest as one of prac- 
tical importance ; involving so much con- 
nected with the morals and religion of the 
country, and covered so much ground, that 
it was continued in debate week after week. 
The trustees fearing the consequences of the 
excitement which was naturally induced in 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



83 



the seminary and community around, re- 
quested the students to drop the subject. 
They persisted, and finally an ordinance was 
passed prohibiting its further discussion. Mr. 
Weed, with a large number of the students, 
considering this act of the trustees, an unjusti- 
fiable prohibition of their freedom of speech, 
asked a dismission, and left the seminary. 
He with others — some of them sons of slave- 
holders at the South — went to Cummin sville, 
about six miles from Cincinnati, and sat down 
for three months, to the critical examination 
of the Old Testament in Hebrew, that they 
might the better understand the Hebrew in- 
stitutions, as recorded there. The young men 
thus scattered, made themselves well acquaint- 
ed with the system of American slavery, and 
stood up a marshalled host against oppression. 

In Nov. 1835, at Eusselville, Ohio, Mr. 
Weed was licensed by the Chilicothe Presby- 
tery, to preach the Gospel ; and went forth on 
his mission of love among the destitute. 

He was invited to become lecturing agent 
for the Am. Anti-slavery Society, in which 
capacity he labored some six months, when 
he was induced to become the General Agent 
for the Ohio State A. S. Soc. Under the 
direction of this Soc, he visited and organ- 
ized auxiliary societies in almost every 



EDWARD WEED. 



county in the State ; lectured, discussed with, 
opponents in hundreds of its villages ; was 
mobbed ; and wicked men threatened his life, 
though in the kind providence of God, he 
escaped uninjured. Extracts from his letters 
at this time, will exhibit by his own testi- 
mony, his spirit and labors. 

u Rochester, K Y., March 1th, 1836. 
" Dear Sisters : — Perhaps you think by this 
time that Br. Weed, in the midst of old friends 
and acquaintance, has forgotten you ; it is not 
so, though I have not written to you as soon as 
I intended. Yet I have constantly carried you, 
and the blessed cause in which you are en- 
gaged, on my heart. I will give you a short 
account of my journeyings and doings since I 
left Cincinnati : — In the first place Br. R. and 
myself have been together but very little. We 
parted: at Columbus ; he remained and spent 
the Sabbath there, with the colored people, 
and I went on to Mt. Vernon, and stopped 
with Bro. Higbie. Preached for him three 
times ; once from Ps. lxviii. 31 : 1 Ethiopia shall 
soon stretch forth her hands unto God,' &c. 
In this discourse I pressed the claims of 
the colored people upon their sympathies, 
their prayers and their munificence, and par- 
ticularly your schools. They were much 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



interested, and intended to take up a collec- 
tion the next Sabbath ; they are an excellent 
people, full of faith and good works, and 
nearly all abolitionists. Br. H. is doing well; 
the Lord is blessing him wonderfully. His 
church has more than doubled the last year. 
I was exceedingly refreshed and encouraged by 
my visit among them. I, of course, intended to 
take the first stage after the Sabbath ; but in this 
I w^as disappointed — it was full — and by this 
little incident, I was detained two days. In- 
deed, I was all the rest of the week getting to 
Cleveland — a distance of 90 miles. 

"At 0. I found Pres. Mahan, and several 
of the Oberlin brethren engaged in- a protract- 
ed meeting; the Lord was blessing them. 
When I left there were 40 or 50 in the anxious 
room. Br. M. preaches with great power. 
Just opposite C, on the other side of the 
river, he had just closed a protracted meet- 
ing ; in which from one to two hundred souls 
were hopefully converted. 

" From 0. I came to this place, stayed 
over the Sabbath, and then went directly 
on to Utica, where I found Br. Weld, clos- 
ing up his long and splendid course of 
lectures. On the evening of his concluding 
lecture, six hundred names were obtained to 
the Abolition pledge. Many of the good 



86 



EDWARD WEED. 



people seemed to feel as though they had 
experienced a new conversion ; and that an im- 
portant revival of religion had occurred among 
them. 

" While there, I presented the claims of your 
schools. The ladies of U , will do some- 
thing handsome for you. I returned to this 
place with brethren W — and S — . And here 
we are, making our arrangements for future 
action. 

"West Union, July 5th, 1836. 
" Dear Sister : — I am now on the sixth let- 
ter that I have written this morning. All my 
time has been occupied since I left Cincinnati. 
Tuesday night I preached at New Richmond ; 
Wednesday I rode to Br. Brooks school, 25 
miles distant; the next day I went to Ripley, 
(by way of Red Oak); preached there in the 
evening; on the following morning traversed 
the whole village of Ripley, with Br. Rankin, 
soliciting donations for the house, among the 
colored people, and obtained nearly forty dol- 
lars ; then got into my gig (alias go-cart) and 
rode 15 miles, by which time it was 8 p. m. ; 
in the morning I rode 12 miles, lectured on 
slavery two hours, organized a society of fifty 
members, distributed and sold numerous in- 
cendiary pamphlets, &c. &c. ; on the Sab- 



FAITH AND W0EKS. 



37 



bath I preached twice in places four miles 
apart ; yesterday I delivered a temperance 
lecture at 12 o'clock, two hours lone ; and 
then rode to this place, twelve miles. By this 
short sketch, you can see how I am hauled 
about. But you will say, " "Why did you 
write five letters before you touched mine ?" 
I will tell you. It is always my rule to 
attend to those things immediately connected 
with my regular business ; and then if I have 
any spare time, to devote it to that which 
is not indispensable. Is not this right? 
Christ, you know, said to his mother — when 
accused of a seeming neglect of his parents, — 
" Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's 
business P 

" I received a letter last evening from our 
dear sister W , saj T ing she has forty schol- 
ars on her list, and thirty-five in regular at- 
tendance. She formed a maternal association 
among the colored females of Chilicothe on 
the same day that you formed yours in Cincin- 
nati, and read to them from 'Abbott's Mother 
at Home,' like yourselves. A happy coinci- 
dence this. I trust both societies will do much 
good. I long for more of the unction of the 
Holy Ghost, more weanedness from the world. 
Pray for me. I spend the next Sabbath at 
Georgetown, and the succeeding one at Man- 



38 



EDWAJRD WEED. 



Chester. Have been threatened, since I com- 
menced blowing the abolition trumpet, with 
eggs," &c, &Ce 

" Piketon, July 17th, 1836. 

" My Dear — — :— Both your letters were 
duly received. Much violence is abroad in 
the land. For the last four days I have been 
in the midst of an infuriated mob who were 
seeking my life. But the Lord has delivered 
me out of their hand. I have just communi- 
cated the particulars in a letter to Mr. Birney, 
and you will probably see it in the 4 Philan- 
thropist.' I was enabled, through the whole 
scene, to remain perfectly firm and self-pos- 
sessed. Among the friends that stood by 
me were some noble-hearted women ; they 
had the spirit of martyrs ; they were none 
of your fainting sort. I shall hold them 
in everlasting remembrance for the noble- 
hearted willingness which they manifested to 
take joyfully the spoiling of their goods. Oh ! 
how refreshing, now and then, to meet with 
whole-souled men and women. Perhaps I 
may be called to die a martyr to the cause 
which I am pleading. I feel that necessity is 
upon me to be ready to die at any moment. 

" Now, while I am writing, there are men 
all around thirsting for my blood, and would 



FAITH AND WOKKS. 



89 



kill me, if they had a good opportunity, as 
soon as they would a snake ! Pray for me, 
that I may, in patience, possess my soul, and 
be ready to depart whenever God calls. We 
have fallen upon perilous times ; law is pros- 
trate, God alone must be our shield and pro- 
tector. The crisis is not yet come, but is fast 
approaching. I say, with all my soul, let it 
come; I may fall, but truth must and will 
triumph. I shall probably leave here to-mor- 
row. Adieu." 

" Greenfield, Sept. 2d, 1836. 

" My Dear Brother : — Your letter was read 
by me with pleasure, and I am glad you are 
not satisfied with your present occupation. 
Not that I count it dishonorable ; every honest 
occupation is honorable ; but we may mistake 
our calling, and thus impair our usefulness and 
happiness through life. If this be true, how 
much thought, prayer, acquaintance with self 
and the world, are necessary for a young man 
in choosing his station on the arena of life. 

" In seeking the advice of friends, take no 
man's opinion as infallible, but make it your 
invariable practice to think for yourself. This 
will give independence, strength, and vigor of 
mind. 

" To get a good education is no small under- 



40 



EDWARD WEED. 



taking. It is not boys' ploy. He that at- 
tempts it and is successful must sit down first 
and count the cost. There are, however, no 
difficulties but what application and persever- 
ance will overcome. If your mind is unalter- 
ably made up to get an education, I would 
advise you, by all means, to enter the Oberlin 
Institution next spring. The reason I prefer 
your entering Oberlin is, because there, I 
think, you will be surrounded by circumstan- 
ces best calculated to develop your mind, and 
make you an efficient and useful man. Stay 
where you are until spring, faithfully discharg- 
ing the duties of your station, as much so as 
though you intended to make it your business 
through life. In the mean time improve every 
opportunity of storing your mind with useful 
knowledge by reading. Every moment lost is 
robbing you of power. Time is power — time 
is money — time is knowledge, and industry is 
the key to unlock them all. 

" I am still lecturing on the subject of sla- 
very ; frequently surrounded by mobs, threat- 
ened on every side. But poor souls, thev are 
great cowards ! You ask, had I not better re- 
linquish the business ? No — never! So long 
as the Lord gives me strength to plead the 
cause of the poor and needy, my mouth shall 
be opened for the dumb. As to danger. ' If 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



41 



the Lord is my helper, I will not fear what 
man can do unto me P I feel, as though a cri- 
sis had arrived in the history of our country, 
in which it is the duty of every good man to 
take his stand on the side of law, truth, and 
the oppressed, and to maintain it at the peril 
of his life. No other course can save us from 
ruin. My dear brother, let me entreat you to 
study well the law of love, the foundation stone 
of all the great principles of liberty. Let it 
clothe you as a garment.' 5 

" W. Union, Sept. 28th, 1836. 

"My Dear : — All your letters have 

been received. Tne one left at C I did 

not get until a few days since. I sympathize, 
with all my soul, in your trials. I know how 
distressing is the apprehension that the plans 
of usefulness, which we have prayerfully and 
in the benevolence of our heart formed, must 
be given up. It is, indeed, plucking out the 
right eye. I trust, however, the Lord will be 
to you much better than your fears. Be not 
afraid. Why should you ? ; All things shall 
work together for the good of them that love 
God.' What a promise! How broad! How 
deep! How full! Engrave it on the palms 
of your hand, and let it be inwrought with 
every fibre of your soul. The reason that I 



42 



EDWARD WEED. 



did not meet yon at C was that I did not 

know when you would be there. At the time 

you was there I was at Waverley, in the midst of 
a bloodthirsty, infuriated mob, only seventeen 
miles from you. Since that time I have labored 
most incessantly, and, I trust, not altogether 
unsuccessfully. I will give you a specimen. 
It is now Wednesday eve ; I have travelled 
this week fifty miles, and spoken six times, 
averaging an hour and a half each time. I 
always succeed in securing the most profound 
attention, even from the mob, when they come 
within the hearing of my voice. I have met 
w T ith no serious interruptions since I last wrote. 
The enemies of the cause seem to satisfy them- 
selves at present with getting up reports that I 
have been most inhumanly beaten or mur- 
dered, to harass my friends. In making up 
lies of this sort they discover great ingenuity. 
Hitherto the Lord hath preserved me. 55 

On the 5th of Nov., 1836, Mr. Weed was 
united in marriage with Miss Phebe Mathews, 
of Mexico, IT. Y. ; a young lady of kindred 
spirit, and with whom he became acquainted 
while she was engaged in teaching among 
the free colored people of Cincinnati. He fol- 
lowed not the Hebrew rule to remain in rest 
at home a year, but in a few days he resumed 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



43 



Lis labors, of travel, peril, and toil. When 
her health would permit of it, Mrs. Weed ac- 
companied him, "not to be ministered unto, 
but to minister; 55 " throwing her whole soul 
into the work, and wherever she went stamp- 
ing it with her own impress. 55 

"Mansfield, JVov. 16th. 
"My Dear Wife :— On Sabbath day I 
preached three times, with acceptance to the 
people, and was blessed in my own soul. I am 

still in the vicinity of M lecturing on the 

subject of slavery. Pray for me. I think 
some of taking Putnam in my way south. I 

want 'to see Brother Gr -, to digest some 

general plan of operation throughout the State ; 

and Sister S , to devise some measures for 

the formation of a Female State A. S. Society. 
I think, if this can be brought about, it will be 
the means of accomplishing much for the poor 
slave. 

" When woman shall stand forth in her 
glory, filling the sphere designed her, and 
clothed in her moral beauty, I shall think the 
millennium is near at hand. Let there be de- 
vised some means by which the intelligent, the 
philanthropic, the great, warm, gushing-hearted 
women of the nation, can be brought together 
to exchange views, take an inventory of the 



44 



EDWARD WEED. 



wants of their sex, and adopt measures to sup- 
ply those wants, and to set up the standard of 
female education and moral action where God 
placed it. Little yet has been done compara- 
tively in the female world. It cannot much, 
longer be overlooked or remain inactive. There 
must soon be a move upon this subject. What 
part think you, Providence has designed you 
to act ? Are you to stand forth among the 
daughters of America, and exert an extended 
and holy influence in the education of your 
sex ?" 

" JVov. 22d.— Dear Wife:— I am still at 

M . Am to lecture here to-night, to-mor 

row night, and the following. You ask what 
has occasioned you to stay so long? The 
friends are so anxious to hear, and have some- 
thing done upon the subject, I could not resist 
their importunity. I lectured last week in a 
place four miles distant. The people were 
much interested. The religious portion of 
them felt as though their views of love to God 
and man had been much enlarged, and their 
souls instructed in righteousness. I am more 
than ever convinced that pleading the cause 
of the poor and needy is not inconsistent with 
preaching the gospel, but that it is an indis- 
pensable part of a minister's duty. 



FAITH AND WOKKS. 



45 



" When I came here the church were afraid 
lest they should not be able to stand up under 
all the obloquy that might come upon them if 
they took a decided stand. Their faith in God 
has been strengthened, and their determina- 
tion to go forward in every duty, testifying 
against every sin. I hope a richer blessing 
may follow. 

" 2±th. — The calls to lecture here are so nu- 
merous I do not know but I shall give up the 
idea of going south soon. I am beginning 
to feel I can do more good by staying here 
and in the vicinity a month or two than by 
going anywhere else. 

u The first evening I lectured, a merchant, a 
man of liberal education, objected to my argu- 
ment. I answered the objection ; he replied, 
and thus the discussion continued the whole 
evening. Last night the Congregational house 
■was opened for us. A large audience attended, 
and the evening was spent in a debate with 
a young lawyer. To-night a strong-minded 
farmer is to enter the field of contest. Thus 
far, the Lord has enabled me to maintain the 
truth with dignity and honor ; I believe his 
grace will still sustain me. Again, I must 
sav, adieu." 



46 



EDWARD weed* 



" Mansfield, JVbv. 18th, 1836. 

" Dear Br, T :— The last week I spent 

at Oberlin, and was much pleased with the ap- 
pearance of things there. The Institution is in 
a flourishing condition, well furnished with 
professors of the highest order of talent. Stu- 
dents are numerous, more than they can ac- 
commodate. I know of no Institution in our 
country where is collected together a larger 
amount of piety and intellectual power. It is 
just the place for you, and I have made 
arrangements for your entering next spring. 
If such a berth had been offered me, when I 
commenced my studies, I should have leaped 
with joy. I hope, dear brother, you will come 
with a full — I wish I could say a holy' — deter- 
mination, that the world shall be blessed by 
your living in it. 

u I am now in the vicinity of M , still 

lecturing on slavery. When I stopped here, it 
was with the expectation of going into the 
southern part of the State soon, but the interest 
has increased so much, and the desire to hear, 
that I may be detained for some time in this 
county. 

" Write soon. Direct to O— — , and it will 
be sent on to me, wherever I may be. 

" Your affectionate brother. 

" Edward." 



CHAPTER VI. 



LETTERS CONTINUED. — ^CLOSES HIS A. S. LABORS. 

" Granville, Jan. 1837. 
" My Dear Wife : — I seize upon a moment 
to commence a letter to you. You do not 
probably regret the loss of my society more 
than I do yours. Be assured you are not for- 
gotten. I had a quick and pleasant ride on 
Monday. Found the friends much disap- 
pointed because I was not here over the Sab- 
bath. 

" Preached last evening, had a good audi- 
ence, and excellent attention. I found Brother 

E still in the vicinity. Last Saturday he 

went out to H — ■ — • to lecture, and was mobbed 
twice on that day. Monday he appointed to 
lecture again. The mobocrats, alias defenders 
of the constitution and union, spent the Sab- 
bath in scouring the country and rallying their 
forces, On Monday they came in about 300 



48 



EDWARD WEED. 



strong. Brother R was dragged out of 
the pulpit by them, and remained in their 
hands about half an hour, when his friends 
succeeded in extricating him. He then went 
to a village four miles distant, lectured that 
evening, and organized a society of 36 mem- 
bers. Returned to II after the lecture, 

and the next morning lectured there without 
interruption, and organized a society of 60 
members. He left here this morning for 
Mount Vernon, almost worn out with fatigue. 

"26th. — I have given two lectures in this 
place ; the young ladies of the seminary at- 
tended. The audience has numbered about 
300. I doubt not you are still praying for my 
sanctification. I am endeavoring to strive to- 
gether with you in my prayers for the same 
object. If I know my own heart, it is the set- 
tled determination of my soul to be a holy 
man. I know nothing else will make me use- 
ful or happy. The applause of man and the 
good things of this world, how empty, how ut- 
terly insufficient to fill the desires of an im- 
mortal spirit ! God alone can do this. I think 
I can say with the Psalmist, ' 1 shall be satis- 
fied when I awake with thy likeness.' " 

" Mansfield, Feb. Mh. 
" I arrived here last evening. Found your 



FAITH AJSfD W0KKS. 



49 



letter in the office ; it refreshed my soul much. 
Sometimes I give way to my feelings, get sick of 
my business. Think it hard to be constantly 
among strangers, away from home. Nothing 
before me but labor, labor — toil, toil — fatigue — 
talk, talk ! Then, again, I remember how much 
Christ did for a dying world. For thirty-three 
long years left his throne of glory, his Father's 
bosom, and for the joy that was set before him 
endured the cross, despising the shame. And 
shall I be unwilling to make these little sacri- 
fices, which, compared with his, are infinitesi- 
mal nothings ? Such reflections revive my 
spirit, nerve my soul, and lead me to despise 
myself for the selfish feelings previously in- 
dulged. My last letter left me at Granville. 
I continued my lectures there until Wednesday 
evening. The audiences were so good, the at- 
tention so fixed, and all continued so quiet 
through the whole that the people consider it 
a perfect triumph." 

u Yermiliost, Feb. lUh. 

u I am at this place delivering a course of 
lectures — have got almost through. Thus tar, I 
have had full and attentive audiences, and the 
prospect is of forming an efficient society. 

u My health is good with the exception of a 
slight cold, which does not, however, affect my 



50 



EDWABD weed. 



speaking organs. I am still every morning 
pursuing my biblical studies. I had a pre- 
cious feast this morning in reading the last 
chapter of 1 Corinthians, and part of the first 
chapter of 2 Corinthians. The deep and holy 
affection which the Apostle manifests for his 
brethren, and the pure, disinterested benevo- 
lence, which breathes in every line, commands 
my admiration of him, whether I possess a like 
benevolence or not. I have continued aspira- 
tions after holiness; but when, oh! when, 
shall I be holy ? 

u IQth. — This is a bitter cold morning, and 
I feel about as juicy as a boiled chip ; so you 
may prepare yourself for some brilliant flights. 
Respecting my coming south, I think I shall 
be able to do so in the course of three or four 
weeks. My work is nearly done here ; there 
are but a few more places where I think it 
will be profitable to lecture in this vicinity.. 

Father M lectured this week in Ashland. 

Succeeded, in the midst of mobs, in going 
through with his course and forming a society. 
If our anniversary is held at Granville, I have 
agreed to spend three or four weeks previous 
in labor in Licking County." 



" Mansfield, Feb. 26th. 
" I got here about noon, and received your 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



51 



good, long letter, and little notes without num- 
ber, all of which were devoured with eager- 
ness. You know not how I am pressed with 
toil. After I got your letters to-day it was 
three hours before I could command time to 
read them, my heart aching all the time to be 
alone. And now I must bid you good-night, 
and prepare for the Sabbath. 

" Monday Morning. — The Sabbath is past, 
and my body and mind have been much re- 
freshed by the rest and privileges I have 

enjoyed. Brother K stood up boldly and 

preached gloriously. Bless the Lord ! This 
poor, dying world is wailing and groaning for 
want of holy, efficient men of God. I preached 
but one sermon yesterday. My expectation 
now is, if the Lord permit, to see you in the 
course of three weeks. Last week I was lec- 
turing below Belleville, and organized a soci- 
ety. Wednesday I go to Gal lion. Next week 
come back here and lecture, and then bid 
them farewell." 

" GaIxLion, March 3d. 
" My Dear Wife : — Monday I mailed a 
letter to you. I have been lecturing every 
evening since except Tuesday. Have been 
most thoroughly mobbed ; eggs flew as thick as 
grapes, some of them filled with paint. We 



52 



EDWARD WEED. 



all got well bespattered, females and all. The 
mob were exceedingly cowardly ; threw, and 
then run. To-morrow I am to lecture again at 
2 P. M., if they do not shut the house — prob- 
ably they may. One thing I have to comfort 
me in all these untoward events. I have a 
room where I can be alone — my Bible and 
communion with God. I had a sweet season 
to-day in remembering all my dear friends ; 
the dear brethren with whom I used to be 
associated ; those that are pleading the cause 
of the poor and needy ; and those engaged in 
missions and revivals, at the Throne of Grace. 
It seemed as though my heart communed 
freely with the Saviour." 

" Mansfield, 4tth. 
" As I anticipated the house was shut against 
me. When I arrived here I took from the 
office my dear father's letter, and your addi- 
tion, with a bound of joy. It is agreed that I 
deliver a course of lectures here in the Congre- 
gational house next week. We shall probably 
have a mob to help us on. You ask in one of 
your letters, do I read Mr. Finney's Lectures ? 
I do, and am much pleased with them. Yes- 
terday I read his last on Christian perfection. 
It commands my fullest assent. I feel that 
the standard of holiness must be set higher in 



FAITH AND WOBKS. 



53 



the churches, or soon they will be only a mass 
of hypocrites, of dead putridity. If the Lord 
permit, I shall leave here for Putnam this day 
week, and shall be with you the following 
Wednesday or Thursday. May the Lord guide 
us both and keep us in his love." 

" Unionville, May 27th. 
" Well, my dear, I am through with another 
week's work, and shall I tell you what I have 
done ? I have lectured eight times, organized 
one new society, and collected about one hun- 
dred dollars. 'Next week I intend to collect 
another hundred, and lecture- only half as 
many times. In regard to my coming home 
to rest, I know how much you feel upon the 
subject. Do not feel too much. I intend to 
spend July and a part of August with you in 
rest. But I am constantly thinking of that 
text, ' What thy hand findeth to do, do it with 
thy might.' I think I could not leave the field 
now without great detriment to the cause. 
Our State treasury is empty, it is even minus 
$100 or $200. Funds must be raised or we 
must shut up shop, retreat from the field, and 
stop operations. With the blessing of the 
Lord I hope to raise a thousand dollars, at 
least, before July. If I can, ought I not to do 
it? I know you will wish me to pursue that 



54 



EDWARD WEED. 



course that will most promote the cause of 
truth and righteousness. 

" 28th. — The Sabbath is just passed. In 
some respects it was a precious day, one, how- 
ever, of toil and fatigue. Preached twice, and 
afterward attended a prayer-meeting, and 
spoke at some length. I am not at all satisfied 
with myself, but I think it is becoming daily 
more the prevailing feeling of my heart to do 
all for the sake of my Saviour. I am glad 
warm weather has come, for now I can make 
the woods my closet, flee away and be alone. 
I have had in this way some precious seasons 
in reading the Scriptures. I long, however, 
for a time to sit down and examine, at my lei- 
sure, some subjects of great interest to me. I 
am constantly thirsting for more knowledge." 

" Jefferson, Sept. 15 th. 
" My Dear "Wife : — I embrace this first lei- 
sure moment since I left you to write, and will 
give you a short history of my labors the last 
week. I have met with no accident since my 
plunge in the mud on my first start, and 
arrived the same evening at Ohio City, after a 
hot and fatiguing ride. Staid with Brother 

P over night, and the next day went to 

Hudson. Spent the Sabbath there, had a 
precious day ; preached but once, and spent 



FAITH AKD WORKS. 



55 



most of my time in reading the Scriptures and 
in prayer. My mind has become much inter- 
ested in studying the prophecies ; they help me 
to understand the present signs of the times. 
I have been reading the prophecy of Daniel, 
and think of commencing Isaiah, with the help 
of such commentaries as I can find in my way. 
From Hudson I went to Painesville, and at- 
tended the anniversary of the Geauga Co. A. 
S. Society. Spoke twice to large audiences, 
made up of people from all parts of the county. 
The next evening I lectured at Centreville. 
Yesterday I was at Ashtabula, and lectured 
twice. Shall do no more talking this week. 
Collected about §60. This morning I met 
Brother Allen at Ashtabula ; expect to see him 
again at Austinburg, perhaps spend the Sab- 
bath with him there. To-morrow I intend to 
spend as a day of fasting and prayer. To-day, 
from excessive labor, I feel remarkably stupid. 
Most of the time I have enjoyed some commu- 
nion with God, some genuine longings after 
holiness. One thing I have been striving for 
in particular is more holy boldness, less regard 
for the opinions of men respecting my public 
performances. I am well — have felt more than 
my usual vigor since I have been out this 
time. Adieu, may the Lord bless and keep 
you." 



56 



EDWARD WEED. 



"Fowler, Sept 20th. 

" My Beloved Wife : — I received your pre* 
cious epistle yesterday at Warren. I suppose 
you continue to have 6 a feast of fat things' 
served up to you daily at Oberlin. At Aus- 
tinburg I had a precious interview with Brother 
Allan, and parted with him there, probably 
for the last time. Saturday I found if I staid 
at Austinburg I could not be alone. It was a 
beautiful day, I mounted my horse, threw the 
reins over his neck, and concluded to make his 
back my closet. In this way I rode thirty 
miles to Farmington, reading and praying 
most of the way. It was a precious season. 

" The Sabbath I spent at Farmington. 
Preached and lectured — had an excellent time. 
The Lord helped me. Put up with Brother 

B — • — . What a precious spirit is Sister B ! 

It is a feast to the soul to meet with such a 
great, warm heart, after being frozen to death 
by coming in contact with the cold world. I 

am now at Brother B 's, in his snug, sweet 

little study. Have been disappointed this 
week about my appointments ; the man whom 
I depended upon to give them out was not 
faithful, so I have for the last two days rested. 
Shall, if the Lord will, get to work again to- 
morrow. By work, I mean lecturing. I have 
appointments now for ten days. I hope to be 



FAITH AND WORKS. 57 

with you again week after next. Shall stay 
but a few days, must then go south. 

" 226?. — Yesterday I rode 25 miles, visited four 
towns, and gave out appointments for lectures. 
Last evening spoke in this place to a large and 
attentive audience. This morning I have had 
a precious season in reading my Bible. Have 
just commenced reading the prophecy of 
Isaiah." 

" New Athens, Nov. 29th. 
" My Beloved Wife : — Yesterday I received 
your precious letter. It^w r as heart-cheering. 
Language cannot express the, joy it imparts to 
get a communication burning right from the 
heart of one so dear to me. It imparts new 
vigor to engage in the toils and ills of life. 
You seem to pine for a quiet home, where we 
may be shielded from the annoyances of the 
world, and sit down to feast ourselves on truth 
and the love of God. At first view, this would 
appear to be an innocent desire. But is it 
really so ? Can the servants of God look for 
ease or quiet in this world of wickedness and 
revolt, where precious souls, multitudes upon 
multitudes, are pressing down to hell ? and if 
saved at all, must be saved by the instrumen- 
tality of their fellow-men — and where systems 
of iniquity, great and wide-spread, are daily 



58 



EPWABD WEED. 



ingulphing their millions. In such circum 
stances, for those whose souls are lighted, who 
have sworn fealty to the king of heaven, girded 
on the armor of righteousness, and enlisted to 
fight the good fight of faith, to turn aside after 
their own ease, is treason to God and man, and 
the incipient desires for it are the beginnings 
of rebellion. Fainting, ' weariness in well do- 
ing,' sluggishness, are the besetting sins of the 
Christian, the most powerful temptation with 
which the devil assaults the soul. Oh ! how 
difficult to serve God with the whole heart. 
Devote every energy to his work. Daily ' to 
present our bodies, a living sacrifice, holy and 
acceptable unto God.' 

" Again, under what circumstances or where 
are we to expect or find rest ? So far as tem- 
poral things are concerned they cannot be re- 
lied on for a moment. Mutability is written 
upon them all. We grasp them — they are 
gone. Every day's experience admonishes us 
of the instability and emptiness of worldly 
comforts. Lovejoy is gone ! But he has slain 
more in his death than in his life. ' The Lord 
reigneth, let the earth rejoice.' ; Judgment 
shall return unto righteousness, and the upright 
in heart shall see it.' Precious promise ! It 
is yea and amen. God hath declared it, and 
lie will fulfill it. The triumph of the wicked 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



59 



is short. The Lord will lift up himself like a 
terrible one. He will take to himself his great 
strength and rule. 

" I lecture in this place (Cadiz) to-day. 
Have an appointment in Bloomfield for Fri- 
day. After that I must bend my way toward 
Putnam. Shall be in Cambridge, if the Lord 
will, next Wednesday. Hope to see you to- 
morrow week. Farewell." 

" "West TThion, Jan. 26th, 1838. 
"Dear Wife: — You ask why I have not 
written before ? Simply because when we 
separated I expected, almost to a certainty, 
that I should meet you at Ripley, and was not 
a little disappointed in not doing so. I was 
there Tuesday, and should have written imme- 
diately, but the 6 Philanthropist' brought the 
intelligence of the death of Mrs. Colby. Know- 
ing your intimacy with her, I concluded you 
had been detained about her dying-bed, and 
would probably get away so as to meet me 
here, or wait my return to the city. I got 
here at noon ; took your letter from the office, 
saw the post-mark, which told the whole story. 
I am glad you got so pleasantly and safely to 
Columbus. I was afraid you would be weary 
and alone, tossing from side to side in one of 
those old go-carts. Upon the whole, I am 



60 



EDWARD WKED. 



glad you are back again at Oberlin^ though it 
is painful for me to be so long separated from 
you. Since I left Cincinnati I have done a 
great deal of labor, and have been very suc- 
cessful in my agency. Have obtained 35 new 
subscribers to the ' Philanthropist,' collected 
about $120, and obtained pledges for about as 
much more. I shall remain here about a 
week, and write letters. 

" Last Monday I was at Augusta, and had a 

sweet, precious visit with Brother T . He 

is in a most happy frame of mind. The Lord 
has done a great work for him — has brought 
him into the fullness and power of the gospel. 
Ellen was at home, was well, and desired her 
love to you. The first week of my absence 
was one of great enjoyment in God. I had 
more opportunity for reading and meditation 
than usual, and my thoughts were intensely 
directed to the subject of faith. Yiews of it 
were presented to my mind altogether more 
impressive and clear than I ever had before ; 
and a great variety of Scripture came before 
my mind with a clearness and power never 
before experienced. Another subject, to which 
my mind has been drawn with great and abi- 
ding interest, is the lesson that Christ taught 
his disciples when he took a little child ana 
set him in their midst. I believe the Holy 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



61 



Spirit only can teach the true meaning of be- 
ing converted and becoming like a little child; 
and I have the beginnings of faith that He 
will teach me this in its fullness, notwithstand- 
ing my waywardness. Blessed be God, he 
has more patience than man. His mercy is 
high as heaven. I do believe I shall yet be 
led in the way everlasting, and brought into 
the fullness of the gospel— though I am a most 
dull scholar, w a fool, and slow of heart to 
'believe!' " 

" Sardinia, Feb. 3d, 
" It is just a week since I mailed my last to 
you. I have spent most of the intervening 

time at Brother B 's. Went with him last 

Sabbath to Winchester, a little town about 12 
miles distant Iroin West Union. This plac3 is 
about three miles from one of the camps. 
Yesterday I lectured at Winchester, where 
eighteen months ago they mobbed Brother 
Rankin and myself, and compelled us to hold 
our meeting in the woods — now no mobbing, 
and the only meeting-house in the place was 
freely opened. I have spent most of the time 

in reading Greek with Brother B -, and in 

writing letters. In this way my body has 
rested, but my mind has not received the same 
refreshment and strengthening it would have 



62 



EDWARD WEED* 



done could I have been more alone. Oh ! the 
blessedness of sweet silence of mind and lone- 
liness, where none but God is present. I am 
more and more decided to leave my agency as 
soon as possible consistent with the good of the 
cause. Probably as soon as April next, at 
least. There is a region of country in the 
vicinity of the Ohio River, about 40 miles from 
Portsmouth, occupied with furnaces and almost 
destitute of the preached gospel. I have been 
urgently requested to go there by the owners 
of the furnaces. They offer a salary of $600, a 
good brick house and garden spot. It is a re- 
tired place, where we might do good and get 
good. I feel that I absolutely need three or 
four years systematic study before I am ready 
to ride as pilot amid the tempest-tossings of 
the moral world. I expect to go from here to 
Hillsboro', thence to Chilicothe." 

" Concord, Feb. 13th. 
" Here I am at the house of our good Brother 

G . When I have written a little to you, I 

must hasten on my way to Chilicothe, where I 

hope to see our dear sister W . I suppose 

you have fine sleighing at O . The snow 

is quite deep here, and the w r eather comfort- 
ably cold ; at least so much so, that after 
riding any distance, and kissing the wind all 



FAITH AND WOEKS. 



63 



the way, my cheeks became beautifully red. 
Last week I labored hard and successfully, 
visited many of my old friends, and had a 
pleasant time. My health is uninterruptedly 
good. I think it is probable I shall go to New 
York to attend the anniversaries. If so, I 

shall go by the way of O , and be with 

you sooner than the middle of April. This 
w T ill be determined on my return to Cincinnati. 
" 15th. — I am now at Chilicothe. Sister 

W has really done an immense sight of 

good here. Her school numbers seventy. The 
mobocrats have not done threatening her yet. 
She desires her love to you. Shall I ever stop 
roving and have a 6 quiet home 5 of my own, 
and my family around me ? This much I can 
say, ' the will of the Lord be done.' I am his 
servant, and not my own. My success has 
been pretty good the last w T eek. I collected 
$140, and got 15 or 20 new subscribers to the 
6 Philanthropist.' Yours, w^ith my whole heart. 

" Twenty Mile Stand, Feb. 27th. 
" My Dear Wife : — To-day at one o'clock 
I left Cincinnati and got here about ' sun- 
down. But you ask, which way are you go- 
ing ? Xot to O just yet. Am on my 

way to Granville. Expect to spend three or 
four weeks in Licking County, lecturing and 



64 



EDWARD WEED. 



preparing the way for our anniversary. Hope 
to get to Circleville by Saturday. Shall, if 
Providence permit, speud three or four days 
there, and after doing my work in. Licking 
County, bend my course homeward. Received 
all your letters before leaving the city. The 
last came in this morning's mail. They were 
like oil to my bones. Yesterday I received 
letters from Brethren Weld and Stanton, both 
remonstrating against my leaving this field of 
labor. If I know my own heart, I wish to do 
just right, and am earnestly seeking of the 
Lord direction. I am constantly afraid of 
seeking my own ease and personal advance- 
ment. It is so easy to be very conscientious 
and benevolent in seeking our own. 4 The 
heart is deceitful above all things, and despe- 
rately wicked.' Oh! how true. When I have 
learned myself, so as not to be deceived by 
myself, I shall feel I have made great attain- 
ments. When in Cincinnati I bought the 
c Memoirs of Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher ;' they 
were both eminent for piety. Knew what it 
was to be filled with the fullness of the gospel. 
I have been much profited, and stimulated to 
exertion, by reading the lives of these eminent 
servants of God. 

" You will wish to know what progress I 
am making in spiritual things. Slow — very 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



65 



slow. I am a dull scholar, a wayward child, 
I feel sometimes to cry out with the Apostle, 
c who shall deliver me from the body of this 
death V Would that I could reply in the full- 
ness of faith, C I thank God, through Jesus 
Christ my Lord.' " 



CHAPTER VII. 



CALL TO MOUNT VERNON. PASTORAL LABORS. 



In the spring of 1838 Mr. Weed received a 
call from the Free Presbyterian Church in 
Mount Vernon, Knox County, Ohio, to become 
their pastor. After mature deliberation, wheth- 
er the voice of Providence was manifested in 
this call, he resigned his anti-slavery agency, 
and entered on his duties as pastor elect at 
Mount Vernon, about the first of May of that 
year, and in the November following w T as 
ordained by the Central Congregational Asso- 
ciation of Ohio, and the same day installed 
pastor of the Free Church. With what spirit 
he entered into this new field of labor, and 
with what fidelity he continued going in and. 
out before his people for four years, we have 
testimony from various sources. Letters writ- 
ten soon after his arrival there express a deep 
sense of his responsibility, and his entire de- 



FAITH AND "WORKS. 



67 



pendence upon God and his word, for wisdom 
and strength to go forward. 

" Mount Yernon, May 10th, 1838. 

" My Dear Wife : — About two hours since 
I arrived here, after a tedious, wet journey. 
The roads probably have not been worse this 
spring. Though I have been here so short a 
time, I have engaged board of Brother McGib- 
eny, unpacked my things, put up my books, 
and am ready to go to work. 

" I took a violent cold while on my journey ; 
this together with much talking and visiting, 
has almost used me up. I believe it rained 
every moment while I was on the road from 
Oberlin to Mansfield ; but notwithstanding the 
dreariness above and beneath, I was enabled, 
for the most part of the time, to let my heart 
go out after God and his holiness. On the 
Sabbath I preached at M with consider- 
able liberty and happiness. On Monday at- 
tended the monthly concert ; it w T as a good 
season. On Tuesday I went to the Eichland 
County A. S. Society Anniversary. I was 
enabled to speak with unusual freedom. Last 
evening I lectured at Belleville on temperance. 
And to-day I have travelled through the mud, 
over the hills and through the creeks, to this 



68 EDWARD WEED. 

place ; weary and half sick, I do not feel able 
to finish this letter. 

" llt7i. — My health is much better this morn- 
ing, and I have had a precious time in study- 
ing the Scriptures. Oh ! how sweet to bury 
one's self up in the Word of Life ; to revel in 
the truth of God. I trust the Lord will permit 
me, for the present, to have much time for a 
quiet, close, and systematic study of the Bible. 
He knows full well that, in order to my being 
an efficient and faithful minister of his, it is 
absolutely necessary. I feel that I am but a 
babe in Christ. I do, however, have some^' 
longings after the unadulterated milk of the 
Word. I have commenced reading the Epistles 
of Peter. Spent all the forenoon on the first 
two chapters of the first Epistle. Had I time 
and room I would transcribe the analysis which 
I have completed of the first chapter. My 
soul is filled with the precious views which 
unfolded themselves to me as I went forward 
with the work. I do not feel as though I had 
yet attained unto the fullness of the blessing 
of the gospel, but I think it is getting to be 
the temper of my soul to follow hard after it. 
I know I shall have your prayers, and I trust 
those of that little, faithful band, who present 
their spiritual sacrifices at five in the morning. 
The stated prayer-meeting of the church occurs 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



69 



this evening. Two weeks from next Sabbath 
we wish to have a communion season. It^vill 
be the Sabbath before the anti-slavery anni- 
versary. We shall commence our meeting on 
Friday night previous. I wish you would see 
Brother Mahan and engage him to come on, so 
as to be with us on that Sabbath and the fol- 
lowing Monday. Adieu." 

"Mount Vernon, May ltth. 

" My Dear Wife : — Brethren Drake and 
Gibbs do not go to Oberlin this week, as I ex- 
pected, but start early next Monday morning. 
I shall have but little time to write, as this 
afternoon we have a meeting of the session, 
this evening a prayer-meeting, and my prepa- 
rations for the Sabbath are not yet fully made. 
I received your letter with joy, thank you a 
thousand times for the deep interest you mani- 
fest in my spiritual welfare; and rejoice, truly, 
at the progress you are making in heavenly 
things. I would not have your love to God 
abated an iota, at the same time I would have 
you possess grace sufficient to restrain the 
natural ardor of your temperament from lead- 
ing you to go beyond your strength. 

" You will be anxious to know how I am 
getting along in my pastoral duties. In the 
%st place, I feel like a little child. I know 



70 



EDWARD WEED. 



not how to go out or come in before my peo 
ple.^ My constant prayer is, Lord, teach me. 
On the Sabbath we had a large congregation, 
much larger in the afternoon than in the 
morning. The spirit of the Lord seemed to be 
present. My own soul was more than usually 
blessed ; I felt that you and that beloved band 
were praying for me. I feel the need of your 
help and think it of the greatest importance 
you should be here. During the week I have 
spent my forenoons in study. The Bible, the 
Bible, has received almost my exclusive atten- 
tion. I have had precious feasts on the truth. 
Can hardly bear to be turned aside to write a 
letter. The afternoons I have devoted to visit- 
ing, going from house to house, praying with 
the brethren and sisters, and talking about the 
great salvation. This, too, is blessed work. I 
want you here to participate with me in it. 
Here is a great field waving for the harvest, 
with the help of God we can gather it in. My 
purpose is to follow on to know the Lord. To 
4 seek first his kingdom and righteousness.' I 
wish you to get here, if possible, by Saturday, 
so as to be with us at our communion season. 

" 18th. — Last evening we had a most pre- 
cious prayer-meeting — a full attendance. The 
Lord was manifestly with us. Great tender- 
ness of feeling was evinced by the brethren 



FAITH AND W0EKS. 



71 



and sisters^ — many wept. I am encouraged to 
believe the Lord is about to come among us 
and do his great work. I have been much 
drawn out to pray that his word may be with 
power. It is my prayer that I may experience 
the very depths of humility. Had a precious 
season this morning in preparing for the pul- 
pit. I trust the Lord will stand by me, and 
help me to preach his truth. Don't fail to see 
that some ordained minister comes on, so as to 
be with us on the Sabbath and administer the 
sacrament. We shall commence our meeting 
on Friday evening previous, on Saturday we 
shall have preaching all day. Four or five 
are to be added to the church. Farewell, may 
the Lord be with and bless you. 15 

Mr. Weed's love of the Scriptures, from his 
conversion to his death, was a living, growing 
principle. To the law and the testimony he 
carried every new doctrine or belief that ar- 
rested his attention, assured that the Holy 
Spirit would guide him into all truth. This 
was the secret of his uninterrupted, onward, 
and upward course. In the critical explana- 
tion of the Scriptures he had few superiors. 
From this well-spring he drank living waters, 
and from his own experience of the blessed re- 
suits of searching the Scriptures he recom- 



72 



EDWARD WEED. 



mended thera to others. In a letter to a dear 
friend he says, "I am deeply solicitous that 
you should become thoroughly versed in the 
Scriptures. They are a fountain of light, the 
well spring from which the Christian must 
drink and live; the medium through which 
spiritual strength and holiness are communi- 
cated. Oh, the Bible! the Bible ! every day I 
prize it more and more. Read it, carefully 
and prayerfully ; don't pass over a verse with- 
out understanding its true meaning. Neglect 
no part of it, but remember that "all Scripture 
is profitable," &c. See 2 Tim. iii. 16. 

In the following letter to a dear* younger 
brother, now in the ministry, and who was at 
the time it was written pursuing his collegiate 
studies, he advises him to spend, at least, the 
first hour of every morning in a prayerful 
study of the Bible. 

" Mount Vernon, May 11th, 1838. 
" Dear Brother T — : — : — Although I have 
but a few minutes to spend in writing, I can- 
not let them pass without addressing a few 
lines to you. I feel the deepest interest in 
your welfare, temporal and spiritual ; and am. 
exceedingly desirous that you should become 
an eminent man of God — one whose mind 
shall be thoroughly disciplined, whose head 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



73 



will be filled with knowledge, and whose heart 
will be strengthened with every righteous 
principle, and overflowing with love to God 
and man. I desire this, 1st, that God may be 
glorified and souls saved ; and 2d, that you 
may be redeemed and receive the reward of 
those who turn many to righteousness, ' shining 
as the brightness of the firmament, and as the 
stars for ever and ever.' I have not been 
faithful to you ; have not labored and prayed 
with you, as was my duty. Now let me say 
to you, if you obtain the fullness of salvation, 
you must seek God with all your heart. JSTot 
for your own happiness or greatness, but to be 
pure, to be holy, to be like Him. I advise you 
to rise early, and spend, at least, the first hour 
in reading the Scriptures and in prayer. Try 
it, you will find it will strengthen you for the 
performance of every duty of the day. Spend 
the last hour before retiring in self-examination 
and prayer. Balance the books of good and 
evil every night, and when you have leisure 
write and tell me how you get along." 

To a dear sister, who -was engaged in teach- 
ing, he addressed about the same time a letter 
of like faithful, affectionate interest. 



" Dear Sister L- 



: — How fast our days 



n 



EDWARD WEED. 



fly ! Soon, very soon, we shall stand on the 
shores of boundless eternity. I feel that my 
days are hastening, that in a very little while 
my account must be rendered. I cannot per- 
suade myself that all my influence over your 
mind has been good. This causes me pain. I 
have desired your highest advancement in all 
that is excellent. I long to see you a woman 
who understands what it is to walk with God. 
To feel a calm and holy serenity of mind, to 
get the victory over mere impulse, to be gov- 
erned by strict principle. God has opened a 
wide and beautiful path of usefulness for you 
to walk in. He has strewed it with the rich 
flowers of heaven, and lined it with the fruit 
of paradise. Beware, lest through weakness 
of heart, it be all in vain to you. Tou may, 
you ought, to walk on the high places of the 
earth. A price is put into your hand to get 
wisdom. 

" 1 O watch, and fight, and pray, 
The battle ne'er give o 7 er, 
Renew it boldly, every day, 
And help, divine, implore.' 

" From your erring, but loving brother." 

During his residence among this people he 
was repeatedly visited with afflictions. In 
June, 1839, that dear mother, who so tenderly 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



75 



watched his infancy, and who had offered unto 
God so many petitions that he might become a 
faithful minister of the gospel, was called away 
from earth-scenes to the company of the blessed 
in heaven. 

About eight months previous he had been to 
visit her, and she being then in good health 
was permitted to enjoy the consummation of 
her long-cherished hopes of hearing him preach. 
About a year after her death his dear sister 
Harriet, then just in the hopeful morning of 
life, became a victim of the fell destroyer, 
leaving her friends to mourn her early depart- 
ure, though they sorrowed not as those without 
hope. At three different times his parental 
hopes were laid in the dust ; and his wife for 
months, seemed to human view, to be hanging 
upon the verge of the grave, though she was 
afterwards so far restored to health as to be a 
great assistance to him in his pastoral duties. 
He loved his friends tenderly ; yet in all these 
trials he could with Christian resignation say, 
"The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken 
away, blessed be the name of the Lord." Let 
him do to and with me and mine as seemeth 
him good. 

In the fall of 1839 becoming deeply im- 
pressed with the necessity of a good school in 
town, that would meet the circumstances of 



76 



EDWARD WEED. 



the daughters of the farmers in the surrounding 
country, and others whose means were small, 
Mr. and Mrs. Weed devised a plan for a school 
where each one could furnish her share of pro- 
visions, perform her share of the necessary 
labor, and have divided equally among the 
scholars the necessary money-outlays. This 
school was eventually taken into their own 
house, directly under their own care, they 
having the responsibility of procuring suitable 
teachers. And though it added much to their 
care and labor, it succeeded admirably, and 
they both felt they were paid tenfold in the 
good that was thus accomplished. Never has 
it been the privilege of those engaged in behalf 
of education to witness a greater thirst for 
knowledge, or more rapid improvement, than 
was manifested by the young women that be- 
came members of this truly domestic boarding- 
school, and many of them are now filling sta- 
tions of usefulness. One writing from a mis- 
sionary station, -among the western Indians, to 
her former teacher, says, " all that I am, or 
can hope to do among this interesting people, 
under God, I owe to you and that dear 
school." 



CHAPTER VIII. 



CALL TO PATERSON. TAKES A TOUR EAST. LET- 
TERS. 

In March, 1841, Mr. "Weed received an in- 
vitation from the Free Presbyterian Church in 
Paterson, N. J., to visit them with a view to 
becoming their pastor. About the first of 
May, his strength being rather low from long- 
continued labor, he took a- tour East, partly to 
recruit it and partly to visit this new field. 
Letters written to his family and friends during 
his absence from home, express his uniform 
trust in God to direct him in all his ways ; as 
also his attachment to his people, and his re- 
sponsibility in reference to them, and the pre- 
cious souls in the surrounding country who 
might be reached by his influence as a minister 
of the gospel. 

" Oberlin, May 18*A, 1841. 
" My Dear Wife and Sister E — — :— Be 



78 



EDWARD WEED. 



assured I think of you continually, your labors 
and your responsibilities ; and my continued 
supplication is, that the wing of the Saviour's 
presence, and the banner of his love, may be 
over you. Tell the young ladies I do not fail 
to remember them with affectionate interest at 
the mercy-seat. We found the roads very bad 
between Vernon and Mansfield ; got set once, 
and were obliged to get an ox-team to draw us 
out of the mud. I spent the Sabbath at Mans- 
field, the Lord helped me to preach. Had a 
most precious time. We had a quick and 
pleasant ride to this place on Monday. All 
things appear well. The Lord is here — pray 
for this people. We shall soon be on our way 
to Cleveland. It is a beautiful, calm morning. 
I expect Brother Hornell will go on from here 
to supply my place. He is an excellent bro- 
ther, and you cannot but be happy in his society. 
Be assured I shall sympathize with you and 
feel your cares." 

" Paterson, June 4dh. 
" My Dear Wife : — It is now four weeks 
since 1 left home, and not a word have I heard 
from you and the dear circle I left behind. I 
feel the intensest desire to hear how my dear 
charge are progressing. I have remembered 
you all continually in my prayers, and have 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



79 



with the utmost confidence committed you to 
Him, the wing of whose power and love is 
always over those who trust in Him. I have 
felt to commit my way entirely unto Him. 
As yet but little light has broken upon my 
future course. What I shall do I wot not. 
I preached here on the Sabbath with much 
freedom and some unction. The Lord enabled 
me to get out of self, and to sweetly trust 
in his name. Here is a field of extended 
usefulness, but a field in some respects discour- 
aging, owing to the floating character of the 
population. You know that a manufacturing 
population is of necessity constantly changing. 
As my feelings now are, I think I should pre- 
fer our own Mount Yemon, though my mind 
is wholly undecided. I think it my duty to 
survey the field fully, and not decide until I 
have examined the subject of change in all its 
bearings. 

" June 5th. — Yesterday afternoon I spent in 
visiting, called on many devoted Christians, 
and was much refreshed. In the evening at- 
tended a meeting of the Washington Temper- 
ance Society. This is the name given to socie- 
ties formed by reformed drunkards ; great in- 
terest is felt in this place now upon the subject. 
Meetings are held weekly, in which men come 
forward and relate their experience. To say 



80 



EDWARD WEED. 



the meetings are intensely interesting is but 
half the truth. Many have forsaken their 
cups, and have become respectable men. Oh ! 
how many families are filled with joy and 
blessing by this movement. The same reform 
is spreading rapidly in the cities of New York, 
Boston, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. 

" Brother H , I suppose, is laboring 

among our people, doing good and getting 
good. The Lord reward him an hundredfold 
for his labor of love. I suppose you and Ellen 
are very happy together. If we leave, I know 
not what will become of that school ; I have 
not, even in my own mind, been able to make 
a satisfactory arrangement in reference to it. 

Say to Brother T • I shall write to him next 

week." 

" Belleville, June 7th. 
"My Dear P ■': — I received your long- 
expected letter this morning just before leav- 
ing Paterson. It dissipated all my bad feel- 
ings, and greatly refreshed my spirits. I was 
rejoiced to hear that the Lord had been with 
you daring my absence, and blessed you in 
your family circle. The Lord be praised that 

sister B has submitted her heart to him. 

I am glad to learn that the young ladies are 
faithful, and making good improvement in 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



81 



their studies. I feel a deep interest in them 
ell, and do not forget them in any of my pray- 
ers. It is a delightful thought to me, when I 
pray, that He, to whom my petitions are ad- 
dressed, is present, at the very moment I am 
speaking, to all my dear friends, in great lov- 
ing-kindness, providing for all their wants. 

" I am still undecided as to what I shall do. 
The field here is extensive, and very much 
needs to be occupied by the right sort of men. 
Were it not for my connection at Mount Ver- 
non, I should decide at once to come. But 
when I think of the dear people -there, and in 
the region around, the responsibility of my 
circumstances presses upon me, and my mind 
falters as to duty, I feel that I am entirely 
free from selfish considerations in reference to 
this matter. It is my earnest desire and ex- 
pectation to be directed by the Lord. Dear sis- 
ter E , I am glad the Lord is blessing your 

labors this summer, and giving you a pleasant 
school. My tears flowed freely when I read 
how the Lord was blessing our dear family 
circle. Look to Him, he will regard the cry 
of his little ones, and bless you abundantly. 

Give my best love to Brother H — . I trust 

his labors are blessed, and lie is gaming favor 
among the people." 



82 



EDWABD WEED. 



" Paterson, June 29t7i. 

" Tour last letter came to hand last evening. 
It was exceedingly pleasant to hear once more 
from my dear wife, our large family circle, 
and the dear people of my charge. Some of 
your letters have been very dilatory, and I 
perceive you have not received my last. If, 
when I get home, it is decided I deserve a 
scolding, I will pull off my coat, sit down, and 
take it patiently. If, after due examination, 
you are found the defaulter, you will have to 
scold yourself, for I am sure I shall be so glad 
to see you I shall be entirely unqualified for 
such a work. So you see you will have to be 
executioner in either case. 

" I had a very interesting visit at Stamford. 
Found father well. Preached on the Sabbath 
to crowded congregations, one-half of whom 
were my own kindred, and who, of course, 
heard with great interest. Next week (D. Y.) 
I expect to start on my return journey. Father 
will go with me as far as Carthage and Water- 
town. I hope to be home so as to preach on 
the third Sabbath in July. To do so, I shall 
have to be very industrious. I shall probably 
not hear from you again by letter, but hope 
soon to see you face to face. Farewell." 

" Dear Sister E : — I thank you a hun- 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



83 



dred times for your short and affectionate epis- 
tles to me during my absence. 'The friend- 
ship of kindred minds is like to that above.' I 
have felt a deep solicitude for you and your 
charge, and have been enabled to commend 
you continually to the special care of our 
Heavenly Father. Since I have been here I 
have been making a choice collection of min- 
erals for the school, and shall also bring with 
me some beautiful shells. I have been think- 
ing over the matter as to the disposal of our 

school, and have written to sister M that 

I think she is the one to take charge of it. 
Say to the young ladies that I remember them 
in all my rambles, and do not cease to feel an 
interest in the individual welfare of each of 
them. I trust they are all striving for con- 
tinued improvement, have set their standard 
high, and are diligently pressing towards it. 
I would write them a separate epistle could I 
command the time." 

" Dear Brother Hornell : — I cannot ex- 
press to you the gratitude I feel for your labors 
of love among my dear people. The Great 
Head of the Church will, undoubtedly, reward 
you — abundantly reward you. What an ex- 
cellent service is His ! How rich the reward ! 
How promptly paid ! I presume you daily 



84 



EDWARD WEED. 



feast on the banquet of love ! I appreciate the 
difficulties under which any one must labor 
who is only supplying the place of pastor for a 
short season. I know that in many respects it 
must be a trying situation. But our compas- 
sionate High Priest understands all these* 
things, and we may rest like a weaned child 
on his bosom. I thank you, again and again, 
for giving me the present state of the people. 
It was just what I wanted to hear. My return 
will not be delayed longer than Providence 
seems to indicate it to be necessary. Be as- 
sured I remember you in all my prayers. 

" P. S. My mind, respecting a change in 
my field of labor, is the same as when I Jast 
wrote." 

Mr. Weed returned to his people, as he anti- 
cipated, and remained until spring. The fol- 
lowing letters were written to friends after his 
return. 

u Mount Yernon, Oct. 19th. 
"Dear Brother P — — •: — Perhaps, by this 
time, you are saying, Brother Weed has for- 
gotten me. It is not so. A day does not pass 
without my recalling you to mind. I cannot 
say, however, that I remember you always in 
my prayers ; but I do frequently. I have a 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



85 



great deal to say to you, but have taken a half 
sheet lest I should say too much. I rejoice to 
hear that the Lord is blessing your labors at 
Canton. The path of duty is the path of peace 
and success. You are already aware that 
I took a tour East last spring. My health 
seemed to demand it. Travel, change of cli- 
mate, and circumstances seemed to invigorate 
me ; my health gradually improved, and now 
I feel quite restored. Since I saw you, the 
Lord has dealt bountifully with my soul, and 
led me on in the way of salvation. While 
East, he kept me almost constantly in a state 
of peace, and enabled me to preach without 
the fear of man, or love fur his applause before 
my eyes. Since my return the Lord has en- 
abled me to preach with more unction and 
effect than hitherto. Our people are begin- 
ning to feel that they must be holy. I have 
recently preached nine sermons on the subject 
of sanctification. As far as I know, nearly all 
my church have acquiesced in the view of the 
subject presented. We are expecting to com- 
mence a protracted meeting next Sabbath. 
Professor M and Father Iv are ex- 
pected to conduct it. Will you and your 
church pray for us? We had a very inter- 
esting meeting of Association at Hartford. 
Brethren Brown and Dresser were ordained. 



86 



EDWARD WEED, 



Brother Brown is settled over the church at 

H ; Brother M— — • has removed to 

O- ; and Brother Cummings is expected 

every day to take his station at Fredericktown. 
I am glad you have Brother Russell as a co- 
worker at Massilon. Much love to Sister 

P . Wife is not well. Write and let me 

know how you are prospering." 

" Mount Yernon, Dec. 27th. 

" Dear Brother B : — Your letter was 

duly received, and I am heartily sorry it is out 
of my power to comply with your request. 
The ill-health of Mrs. Weed will prevent my 
leaving home for any length of time. She has 
been confined to her room eleven weeks, and 
is not able to sit up at present. I do hope to 
be able to visit you before going East. I have 
a strong desire to preach the gospel at Balti- 
more, but whether the Lord will permit me to 
do so I cannot tell. Love to your wife and 
daughter." 

" Mount Yernon, Feb., 1842. 

" Dear Brother B : — Your kind letter 

ought to have been answered ere this. But it 
found me in peculiar circumstances. My fam- 
ily sick and helpless ; myself engaged in a 
colonization and abolition discussion with Rev. 



FAITH AND WOKKS. 



87 



Mr. W , of Muskingum County, which 

closed last evening. Every position he took 
was entirely southern. Our meetings w T ere 
held in the Methodist Episcopal church. We 
discussed the subject eight evenings and one 
afternoon. The friends of the anti-slavery 
cause feel that a good impression has been 
made. Some have been converted and others 
convicted. Everybody is discussing it. Now 
about holding a protracted meeting in your 
place, I desire very much to comply with your 
request, but at present my way is hedged up. 
Mrs. Weed is in a perfectly helpless state; 
has been confined now for four months ; until 
she is better I cannot leave her. It would 
afford me great satisfaction to spend a few 
weeks in your place, and I am determined to 
do so, if Providence permit." 



CHAPTER IX. 



LEAVES MOUNT VERNON AND GOES TO PATERSON. 
LETTERS. 

After Mr. Weed's return from his eastern 
tour a correspondence was continued between 
him and the Paterson church, which resulted 
in his leaving Mount Vernon and removing 
to Paterson in May, 1842. 

His labors as a pastor had been very ac- 
ceptable to his church and congregation, and 
they consented to his removal from them at 
his own request and because he believed, all 
things considered, he might be more useful in 
an eastern location, while the work among 
them might be equally well or better accom- 
plished by his successor. The following tes- 
timony of his people, when he left them, was 
not only placed upon the church records, but 
was engraven with affectionate remembrance 
upon many hearts : 

" It has pleased Almighty God to call from 



FAITH AND WOKKS. 



89 



among us our beloved pastor, Rev. Edward 
Weed, to labor in another part of his vine- 
yard. He has, for the space of four years, 
gone in and out among us ; breaking unto us 
the bread of life, and feeding us with the pure 
manna from heaven. His labors of love 
among us have been greatly blessed of our 
Heavenly Father. Unto many of us who had 
hitherto sat in darkness, a great light has 
sprung up ; so that, having once been blind, 
we now see ; having been deaf, we now hear ; 
having been dumb, we now speak ; and having 
been without hope, through our Lord Jesus 
Christ, we now have in him the hope of ever- 
lasting life. During the four years he has 
labored among us, he has not only been in- 
strumental in building up this church, by the 
addition of about one hundred and thirty 
members, but has also been the means, under 
God, of forming two other churches, one at 
Fredericktown, and one in Liberty township, 
which churches are now jointly supporting a 
minister. We commend him to the favor and 
love of God's people everywhere ; and where- 
soever he may be called to labor in Christ's 
vineyard, our prayers shall accompany him. 
And,- until we shall all be assembled before 
the bar of God, to be judged of Him whose 
will is supreme and whose judgment is im- 



90 



EDWAED WEED. 



mutable, we commend him to the grace of 
our Lord Jesus Christ." 

His successor, Eev. M. E. Stricley, writes 
of him : 

" Brother Weed's pastoral labors will long 
be remembered by the church, and will not 
soon be forgotten by many who never united 
with the church. His labor in the care and 
instruction of the converts, is abundantly 
manifest in the numerous lectures, Bible- 
classes, and special prayer-meetings he insti- 
tuted. The exertions of this faithful brother 
are seen to have been extended to other 
places than Mount Vernon. Scarcely a village 
is to be found in our vicinity where he has 
not been engaged in labors of love, and in all 
these places he is still remembered with 
warm affection. 

" The Anti-slavery cause owes much of its 
success in this county to his untiring exertions. 
Nor in this town is his influence to be measured 
simply by his preaching. It is felt in the 
schools he established, in the Temperance and 
Anti-slavery lectures he gave, and above all, 
in the genial, sunny and sanctifying power of 
his life and deportment, as a man, a Christian, 
and a minister." 

Mr. "Weed, called, as he believed, by the 
providence of God, thus left one church, in 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



91 



whose hearts he was cherished with affection- 
ate remembrance, and toward whom his 
thoughts ever turned until life ceased to flow, 
with the interest of a father toward the child- 
ren of his love, to find his home with another 
people, who received him w T ith the greatest 
unanimity and confidence. 

The precarious state in which Mrs. Weed's 
health had been for some months rendered 
their journey one that was anticipated with 
some anxiety; but his letters record only 
mercies and thanksgiving. 

" Mexico, May 7th, 1842. 
" Dear Brother : — We got to Cleveland in 
good season and in perfect safety. Found a 
boat in port ready to go out in a few hours. 
We had the stage drive down and land us on 
board. We arrived at Buffalo the next day, 
about four P. M. Stayed at the Mansion 
House over night, and the next morning at 
nine o'clock took the cars for Niagara. Ar- 
rived there 'about eleven, and found another 
train waiting to take us to Lewiston, where 
was the steamer St. Lawrence ready to start 
for Oswego precisely at twelve. At the ap- 
pointed time we found ourselves on board, 
and soon the noble steamer was proudly and 
swiftly moving on its way. The next morn- 



92 



EDWARD WEED. 



ing, at three o'clock, we were safely landed at 
Oswego, and at half-past five we took stage, 
and at eight we arrived at Father Mathew's, 
amid the greetings of friends, tears of joy and 
gratitude. Our whole journey was exceed- 
ingly prosperous, and with the exception of 
one day, the weather delightful. I expect to 
leave here Monday morning early for New 
York." 

While Mr. "Weed went on to Paterson to 
engage in his duties there, Mrs. Weed re- 
mained for a few months at her father's, hoping 
by change of air, quiet, and relief, for a sea- 
son, from the responsibilities of her station, 
her wasted strength might be in a measure 
restored, and some three months intervened 

before she joined her husband at P . 

His letters in the meantime give us a history 
of his early labors in P . 

" Paterson, May 2lih. 

" Dear Brothers T and C— , and 

Sister L : — I have just received letters 

from Phebe and Father. P writes me 

that her limb is still swollen and the joint stifT ; 
in this respect she is no better. She, with 
J , are at Mexicoville, happy and content- 
ed. Father writes that he is well. The people 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



93 



here received me with great harmony and 
affection. I have preached for them two Sab- 
baths. Our congregations are good ; with 
the help of God I hope to be useful. They 
have hired for me a very pleasant house, 
located convenient to the church. Let me 
say to you all, Study yourselves, seek to know 
God. Learn to deny self. If you would do 
good, be approved of God and filled with 
peace ; you must learn to bring your souls in 
full subjection to the truth. Watch and pray, 
and may the Lord bless you all." 

" May 30th. 

"My Dear Wife: — Your well-filled but 
dilatory letter reached me last Friday. That 
its perusal gratified me exceedingly, I need 
not say. I began to be a little impatient be- 
fore its arrival, notwithstanding my strong 
resolutions to the contrary. I am really happy 
in knowing that you have such kind attention, 
and that everything moves forward so sweetly, 
but am sorry to learn that your limb does not 
improve. I have not yet consulted any phy- 
sician, but will before I close this letter. 
Here I am in my own room. I like our house 
and its location better and better. 

" 31st— I have visited some to-day, attended 
a funeral, and this evening preached a pre- 



94 



EDWARD WEED. 



paratory lecture. Our communion season 
occurs the first Sabbath of every month. 
ISext Sabbath is the time for it. I think you 
will like this people. Here I am all alone 
in this large house. Don't you pity me? 
Well, I am contented and happy. 

" June 6th. — Another Sabbath has passed. 
It was our communion season, and a precious 
day to my soul. There are some praying 
brethren and sisters in this church. It is a 
trying time with them now ; many of them 
are entirely out of work, money scarce, and 
prospects gloomy. But the Lord reigns, and 
I believe he has much people yet in this place 
to be brought into his kingdom. My visit to 
Boston was very agreeable, with one abate- 
ment, I was not able to get about much, I was 
so lame. Brethren Cochrane, Parsons and 
Cole were my companions on my journey. I 
saw Brother Kussel and his wife, and Brother 
Stanton. Had a sweet and precious interview 
with them. I conferred this morning with 

Dr. B , of this place, in reference to your 

case. He advises blistering, provided your 
general health is good. 

« June 12th. * 

" Since we parted I have often wished to 
see you, but never more than to-day. The 



FAITH AND WORKS. 95 

Lord has greatly blessed me, and assisted 
me in preaching his word. He has been 
visibly manifest in onr assemblies. The 
thoughtful, solemn countenance, the strict at- 
tention and tearful eye, all have testified to 
his felt presence. O, how blessed the privi- 
lege, to preach the gospel ! My soul feeds 
upon the truth, and delights itself in God. I 
begin to understand David when he said, 
" How love I thy law : it is my meditation all 
the day." Still it seems to me I have only 
been eating a few of the crumbs of my mas- 
ter's table ; but, if the crumbs are so sweet, 
how delightful will be the full spread board ! 
How much good it would have done me to 
have partaken of the heavenly manna to-day 
with you. It is now ten, P. M. I have 
attended one funeral, preached three times, 
addressed the colored Sabbath-school, at- 
tended the evening prayer-meeting, and feel 
this moment as vigorous as when I awoke this 
morning. " They that wait upon the Lord 
shall renew their strength. They shall mount 
up with wings as eagles ; they shall run and 
not be weary, walk and not faint." My 
health and appetite are good. As I came 
home from my third meeting, and arose from 
kneeling in thanksgiving to God, I looked 
around upon my empty house, and felt that I 



96 



EDWARD WEED. 



could not pillow my hfead until I had given 
vent to my feelings in a few lines to you. 
Perhaps I have thought of you more to-day, 
on account of a dream which I had last nig] it. 
I thought, with my consent, you had married 
another. "When I went to speak to you after 
the ceremony you was so agitated you could not 
answer me. All at once, the extent of my loss 
burst upon me. I saw you doomed to spend 
the remainder of your days in misery, and I 
to be desolate. My distress was so great I 
awoke. The soft light of a beautiful Sabbath 
morning was pouring its rays through my 
window; how my heart leaped to find that it 
was a dream ! But I thought it was to remind 
me that I was mariied to my Saviour, and I 
must beware how I wedded him to others, and 
forgot my own espousals. 

" 13th. — This morning I awoke early, put 
my room in order, and have worked about an 
hour in my garden. I feel very well after the 
labors of yesterday. I am becoming more 
and more interested in our congregation. 
There are many choice spirits among the 
sisters of the church. It would do you good 
to hear them pray in our conference and 
prayer-meetings. It rests my body and re- 
freshes my soul to go into our prayer-meetings. 
Yesterday was a precious day to all our people. 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



97 



It is, however^ a time of severe trial. So many 
of the factories are stopped on account of the 
money pressure that hundreds who depended 
upon their daily labor for bread are thrown out 
of employment. Pinching want stares them 
in the face. I have been thinking the Lord 
has sent us here to teach us to sympathize more 
fully with the sorrows of our fellow men, to 
teach us to " weep with those that w T eep." 
We had a precious meeting of ministering 
brethren at Newark last week. We have 
decided to have a meeting of the kind every 
month, also a conference of the churches. 
Sister P desires love to you. Remem- 
ber my love to father, mother, and other 
members of the family. I was much refreshed 
by your last letter. Here I have been for the 
last six weeks living alone, with the exception 
of taking my meals abroad ; but you know 
when I am with my books and about my 
duty I am at home and happy." 

"Paterson, July 18th. 
" Last week was a season of deep interest 
to me. We had a series of meetings in 
New York, at which some nine or ten other 
ministers were present, who harmonized in 
our views of sanctification, and seemed to 
be full of the spirit. 



98 



EDWAPvD WEED. 



" On "Wednesday we had a very interesting 
church conference meeting, in Br. O.'s church. 
The object of this meeting was for brethren 
and sisters of different churches, to meet to- 
gether, and exchange views and feelings, for 
the purpose of promoting personal holiness. 
A spirit of freedom prevailed, and the pre- 
sence of the Lord was very manifest. Most 
of the time was occupied in the relation of 
personal experience. ' Some were very instruc- 
tive. You would have enjoyed the meeting 
greatly. We shall have (D. Y.) one at Newark, 
the second day of August, and intend to keep 
them up monthly, going around from one 
church to another. Friday I came home. 
Yesterday was my birth-day : it was the bless- 
ed Sabbath. If I live to three score years and 
ten — half of my life is spent — but there is very 
little probability that I shall live to that age. 
How short our time ; how rapidly are we 
hastening to the judgment. What need we 
have to do with our might, what our hands 
find to do. The Lord helped me to preach 
yesterday. His word was with some power. 
Three or four in the evening arose to be 
prayed for. I think the churches are coming 
up, though it is a very unfavorable season of 
the year. The days are excessively hot, and 
every body very languid ; I have hardly energy 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



99 



enough to hold my pen. "Write me imme- 
diately on the reception of this, and let me 
know when you will be in New York. The 
Lord willing, I will meet you there." 

" 29th. — I received your letter this morning. 
It made me both glad and sorry — glad that 
you are happy in the midst of your dear rela- 
tives, and sorry that I am to be disappointed 
about your coming on next week. "When you 
come, I think you had better take the cars at 
S., and if the Lord will, I will meet you at the 
depot in Albany. I can meet you there with- 
out spending much time or money, both of 
which, in these clays, are very precious. If 
you make any different arrangement, you 
must let me know. Give my warmest love 

to O , P , and S and his wife. I 

should love to see them dearly, had I time and 
money to spare. There is no chance here for 
J to go to school ; perhaps she had bet- 
ter go to Oberlin with S . Do however 

about it just as you think best : we can teach 
her as we have done." 

As was anticipated, Mrs. "Weed met her 
husband at Albany, Aug. 9th, and was intro- 
duced by him to their new charge. We have 
her description of her arrival at Paterson, in 
a letter written to her parents soon after, an 



100 



EDWARD WEED. 



extract of which will be not inappropriately 
inserted here : 

" Paterson, Aug. 16th, 1842. 
"Dear, dear Parents, Brothers and Sis- 
ters: — I know that you will rejoice to hear 
that I have arrived safe at Paterson. The 
goodness and mercy of a covenant-keeping 
God was all around my pathway. I met my 
dear husband, according to agreement, at Al- 
bany — a happy meeting, I can assure you. 
Wednesday morning, we took breakfast with 

E 's cousin, in JSTew York ; that day we 

went over to N , saw Brother and Sister 

P , and attended one of those experience 

meetings you have heard husband speak of. 
It was a most excellent meeting. On Thurs- 
day we came to B , and spent the night 

with Brother W and family. Thursday 

morning we came to Paterson — arrived about 
two o'clock P. M. — found our house all fitted 
up for our reception ; dinner on our own 
table waiting for us, and some of the friends 
ready to greet us. We ate dinner, and then the 
sisters took me all over the house, and showed 
me what they had done for me. My heart 
melted and became liquid as water, in view of 
it all. We had a little visit together, and then 
we knelt and consecrated ourselves, our house, 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



101 



ana all to the Lord. Soon the friends went 
away, and we were left alone in our new abode. 
Oh, to enjoy God in all these things ! I think I 
do in some degree. I begin to love the dear 
people very much ; they seem very warm- 
hearted and affectionate. I do not know how 
many times I have been greeted with a kiss, 
and ' You are welcome to Paterson, Sister 
"Weed. ' Yet, I cannot say that I love them as 
well as I did the people at Mt. Vernon, though 
I think I shall when I get acquainted with 
them as well. I thank you a thousand times 
for all your kind care of me while I was with 
you. If you will come and see me, and stay 
as long, I will try to" return it in some measure 
to you. 

" Your affectionate daughter and sister, 
p "Phebe." 



CHAPTER X. 



UNITES THE LABORS OF AN EVANGELIST WITH 
THAT OF PASTOR. 

Mr. Weed did not confine his labors to his 
own church, but was often invited, and fre- 
quently engaged, in* protracted meetings in 
other churches ; thus adding to his labors as a 
pastor those of an evangelist. He also labored 
in behalf of anti-slavery, temperance, and other 
reforms, delivering lectures, forming societies, 
and writing articles for papers. His letters, at 
this date, speak of his unremitting toil, in be- 
half of truth and righteousness, as "blessed 
work," on which his heart was set, and in 
which he engaged with soul-absorbing interest. 

" Paterson, Sept. 6th, 1842. 
" Dear Brother : — Tour kind letter came 
to hand a few days since. I was rejoiced to 
get it, for I had been able to frame no reason, 



FAITH AI\ T D WORKS. 



103 



satisfactory to my own mind, for your three 
months' silence ; especially in view of your 
earnest request at our parting for a frequent 
correspondence, and the promptness and length 
with which I had written. 

" As to Paterson, I like my situation well, 
though it is not free from difficulties. The 
people are very affectionate and kind, and 
seem to be much attached to us. Our congre- 
gation is increasingly large and attentive. 
Some are inquiring what they shall do to be 
saved. Our Sabbath-school is very interesting, 
the number usually in attendance is about 
200. Our other meetings are well attended. 
There is no active opposition against us, but 
our people are poor, and the times are exceed- 
ingly hard ; besides, the church are deeply in 
debt for their house of worship. But, with 
the blessing of God, we hope to surmount all 
these obstacles. I am just beginning to get 
acquainted in the region around. The Lord 
has helped me to preach, and enabled me to 
advance somewhat in the knowledge of his 
truth and in subduing self. We have a house 
very pleasantly located on Main street, about 
fifty rods from our church. Though I arrived 
here late, I put in seeds, and have now a fine 
garden. 

" Oct. 3d. — Since 1 last wrote you I have 



104: 



EDWARD WEED. 



been to North Stamford, Conn., and spent two 
weeks, holding a protracted meeting with great 
success. The Lord has poured out his Spirit in 
great power. The whole -region is moved. 
Their meeting-house is filled every night to 
overflowing. Last Friday evening, after ser- 
mon, over a hundred came forward to be 

prayed for. I left P and J there, 

and came home on Saturday to preach on the 
Sabbath for my own people. I expect to re- 
turn there again to-day. I cannot describe to 
you my feelings as I stand there and preach 
the everlasting gospel to my kindred, amid the 
graves of my ancestors. The truth takes hold 
with wonderful power. The church had al- 
most run down. I was told that the Sabbath 
before I went there not more than thirty at- 
tended public worship. Only two or three 
young people belonged to the church ; nearly 
all the dear youth were pushing on to death. 
How changed the scene! Every member of 
the choir, I believe, is now hoping in the Lord, 
and nearly all the youth have expressed pub- 
licly their determination to serve him. In my 
own congregation the Lord is reviving his work. 
Some, I trust, have been truly converted ; 
others are inquiring. There is a deep, tender 
feeling among the members of the church, and 
yesterday was a precious day in our sanctuary. 



FAITH AND W0KKS. 



105 



I expect to see a great work here this fall and 
winter. A powerful revival is going forward 
at Newark in Brother Parsons' church. Some 
200 attend the inquiry meeting daily, and 
there is a good state of things in Brother 
Cochran's church in New York. Brother Fin- 
ney is expected to spend the winter with them. 
The Holy Spirit seems to be hovering over 
this region, and the cloud of mercy begins to 
break. Praise the Lord, and pray for us. 
Give my warmest love to the dear brethren 
and sisters in the Lord, at Mount Yernon. 
Tell them I have not forgotten them, but that 
they live enshrined in my heart ; and as my 
love increases for the Lord, it increases for 
them. Write often and give particulars. Dear 
brother, I feel deep anxiety for your spiritual 
welfare. I long to have Jesus Christ formed 
within you, the hope of glory, that you may be 
prepared to preach his gospel in demonstration 
of the Spirit, and with power." 

" Whippany, Oct. 29th. 
" My Dear "Wife : — My heart is full. The 
Lord makes my spirit to mount up as on 
eagles' wings. How blessed the employment 
to preach the everlasting gospel ! Last night 
we had a most precious, powerful meeting. 
God manifested himself in the great congrega- 



106 



EDWARD WEED. 



tion 5 and girded his unworthy worm with 
strength. Some fifty took the anxious-seats. 
I felt as though the brethren and sisters in 
Paterson were praying for me and this people. 
I hope they will continue to do so. There is 
yet a great work which remains to be done 
here. The devil is not dead nor asleep. There 
are many obstacles in the way. But in the 
name of our God we will triumph over them 
all. I feel that it is my duty to remain over 
the Sabbath here ; and probably I shall stay the 
most of next week, if not the whole. Remem- 
ber, my dear, that great responsibility is rest- 
ing upon you. Be much in prayer ; be active, 
according to your strength ; not beyond it ; 
visit as much as you can. I feel that you can 
do almost as much good among the people as 
I could. You have their confidence. Your 
family will be small, hence you will have more 

time. Brother P , I suppose, will go on 

Monday, and I shall not see him again. Give 
my warmest love to him. I am sorry he is 
going without a new heart. Oh ! that he 
would give himself to think on his ways, and 
turn to the Lord. If you attend the meeting, 
Monday evening, at Sister F — — 's, remember 
me to the brethren and sisters, and say to 
them I request an interest in their prayers for 
myself and this people. I shall write a note 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



107 



to Brother C < about the appointments. 

Adieu." 

u Brooklyn, JVbv. 21st. 

"Dear Brother T — ■ — and Sister L— : 

— You are probably beginning to think that 
my few days are many weeks. When I last 
wrote you I had returned from North Stamford 
to spend the Sabbath with my people at Pat- 
erson. Monday I went back to North Stam- 
ford, and remained with them until Friday 
morning. A great blessing attended my la- 
bors there. From letters recently received 
from there I understand over one hundred are 
hoping in the Lord. The work is still going 
forward. Soon after my return I was called to 
go and take the lead in a meeting, which Bro- 
ther C had commenced in a village some 

seventeen miles from Paterson. I went there 
and spent ten days, and preached twenty times. 
Some sixty souls professed submission to God. 
I have been in this city about two weeks, 
preaching every evening. During the time 
the church has been revived, and there have 
been some ten or twelve cases of conversion, 
and about as many more inquiring. It is 
much more difficult to move the people in a 
city than in a country village, there are so 
many diverting influences, so many things to 



108 



EDWAJvD WEED. 



take up the attention. The work is evidently 
deepening. The Lord is daily increasing my 
faith in the means which he has appointed for 
the salvation of men, and his unchangeable 
purpose to bless them. For the last two 
months I have been away from my people 
much of the time. The Lord willing, I shall 
return to them this week, and shall begin to 
cultivate my own vineyard in good earnest. 
My congregation is large and attentive, praj T er- 
meetings filled to overflowing. The Lord has 
given me favor in the sight of the people in 
this region, and power to preach his word. 
Do you ask what influence it has upon my 
own mind ? I think I never felt so indifferent 
to the opinion of men, be it praise or dispraise. 
So that I can say it is a small thing to be judged 
of man's judgment, while I have never felt so 
deeply my accountability to God and so much 
to appreciate his approbation. My dear bro- 
ther and sister, do you wish to be perfectly 
blessed and freed from the dominion of sin ? 
Have but one master, the blessed Saviour ; 
but one end, his glory. How soul-satisfying to 
be able to say from the heart, 

" ' Lord, 'tis enough that thou art mine, 
My God, my portion, and my all.' 



" I earnestly desire that you should both be- 



FAITH AND WOKKS. 



109 



come eminent servants of God ; polished in- 
struments in His hands ; vessels chosen by 
Him unto honor, and meet for his glorious ser- 
vice." 

" Paterson, Dec. 16th. 

" Dear Brother B : — I was truly glad 

to hear from you and your little church, and 
the interests of religion in general in your re- 
gion. O, how much ministers need to break 
off their shackles, have but one Master, and 
live by faith. The times here are exceedingly 
hard, my own church is $1,500 in debt, and at 
present it is almost impossible to raise our cur- 
rent expenses. There is not a rich man in my 
church ; almost all of them are laborers, who 
depend upon their daily exertions for support. 
For the last year nearly one-half of our popu- 
lation have been out of employ a great share 
of the time. There are more than five hun- 
dred men now in our town that cannot get a 
stroke of work to do. I have seen more suf- 
fering since I came here than in all my life 
before. I am literally preaching the gospel to 
the poor. I love the work. "We are now en- 
joying a precious revival. Brother M — - — , 
of O — — , is with us. The Lord has greatly 
blessed my labors since my removal from the 
West. You speak of my being able, by the 



110 



EDWARD WEED. 



grace of God assisting me, to do great good as 
an evangelist. I am well assured that in that 
sphere I might be the instrument of great good. 
Were I free from my present charge I would 
enter upon that work at once. But our times 
and ways are not in our own hands. When 
God, in his providence, shall make the way 
clear for me to enter such a field, I trust I 
shall not be a disobedient child. I feel like 
being given up entirely to his guidance. 

" Much love to Sister B — - — and Cornelia. 
In this, my wife joins me. Much love to all. 
We shall always be glad to hear from you." 

" Hanover Neck, March 7th. 
" Dear Wife: — There were so many things 
on my mind before I left yesterday that I 
came away and forgot some that I ought to 
have attended to. 1st. I promised to select a 
book for Mr. R — • — 's son, who cut his foot so 
badly. He, sitting there from day to day 
alone, an interesting book would beguile his 
hours much. Will you select one and carry it 

to him? 2d. I agreed to let Mr. M have 

a book. Will you carry him ' Baxter's Call to 
the Unconverted V 3d. There are several sis- 
ters who ought to be visited. Mrs. R , 

an old lady, who is very ill ; Mrs. B — ■ — , who 
is also ill ; and Mrs. M , and Mrs. C . 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



Ill 



"I had a very tedious ride yesterday — arrived 
here about sunset. Preached in the evening 
to a very good and attentive audience. Felt 
the presence of the Lord. Am expecting a 
great work. The church seems to be some- 
what prepared. I hope the dear brethren and 
sisters will pray for me. I am pleasantly situ- 
ated and my health is good. 

" 8th. — This is a beautiful morning. We had 
very interesting meetings yesterday. There is 
a good prospect before us — my health good and 
strength firm. I shall send this to-day by Mrs. 
H . Adieu." 

" Hanover, March 13th. 
" Dear Brother : — The strongest desire for 
your best good dwells in my heart. That you 
may be a true man of God, emptied of self, 
delivered from the dominion of the flesh, 
stripped of all the shackles of the world and 
the devil, and introduced into the full liberty 
of the sons of God. I cannot bear the thought 
that your gifts, talents and opportunities, which 
are great bressings in themselves, should be 
lost to the world, and be turned into a bitter 
curse to your own soul. ]STo, I want to see 
heaven in your heart ; truth, with all its tran- 
scendent loveliness and beauty, in your mind, 
eternal glory in your eye, and your voice, like 
the messenger of God heard over the hills and 



112 



EDWARD WEED* 



valleys of our beloved land, calling your fellow 
men to that feast of love which heaven has 
prepared for all hearts to receive. This, my 
brother, is delightful work. How much better 
than the drudgery of the political demagogue. 
My heart is full. I would like to tell you what 
the Lord is doing for my soul. I have not, 
however, time nor room now ; I will only say 
that at no period of my life has my mind been 
so fully girded, and light and truth poured in 
upon it in so large streams, and in such glorious 
power. And at no time has my every effort 
been crowned with such success. It is now 
about ten months since I came to Paterson. 
During that time ninety-eight have been added 
to my church. Our Sabbath-school increased 
from 180 to 245, and our congregation greatly 
enlarged. Besides this, I am now holding the 
fifth protracted meeting abroad, in each of 
which a good work has been wrought, viz : — - 
North Stamford and Long Ridge, Ct., Brook- 
lyn, L. L, Whippany and Hanover Neck, 
1ST. J. I am at the latter place now. Have 
been here a week ; expect to remain about four 
days longer. Old and young are awakened. 
Yesterday, the Sabbath, the Lord was truly in 
our midst. About 40 went forward to the 
anxious seat last evening — -numbers are rejoic- 
ing in hope. I feel in all this I am nothing. 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



113 



God in his infinite mercy has poured his love 
into my heart, and his truth into my mind, and 
enables me to stand up among my fellow men 
and pour out what he has poured in. Soon my 
voice will be hushed in death ; but the words 
of his rich grace, uttered by it, will live and 
exert blessed life-giving power down to the end 
of time and through eternity. Precious thought ! 
Who can decline such a work as this, or tire 

in its performance ? Brother and sister II • 

are still with us ; both of them think they have 
given their hearts to the Lord, and have united 
with the church. They appear well. All the 
family were in good health when I left home. 
My own health remains firm. Give my love 

to C . Tell him I am very thankful for his 

letters — hope he will write often. Love also 

to L . Get a large sheet and all write — 

tell me all about Mount Yernon. Remember 
me affectionately to Brother Morgan ; tell him 
his visit did me great good, that our people 
remember him with affectionate interest, and 
that I had a most blessed time the first two 
weeks in February in Connecticut. Some 
seventy souls were converted." 

"Paterson, May 23d. 
" Dear Brother : — Tour letter was duly re- 
ceived, and we were right glad to hear from 



114 



EDWARD WEED. 



you once more. I was rather amused at that 
part of your letter where you speak of the hap- 
piness it would afford you if your calling were 
selected, and yourself fairly settled and estab- 
lished in it. The feeling is natural and common, 
but delusive. I have experienced it, and would 
that I could impress upon your mind, with the 
power it rests upon my own, that no change of 
temporal relations, or external circumstances, 
of themselves, can " impart the bliss we seek." 
It is a portion of the vail which sin has thrown 
over the human mind, that leads mankind, 
almost universally, to look forward to some 
mere outward change as a means of greatly 
augmenting their happiness. Still it remains 
a solemn fact, that they are all disappointed. 
Those expecting bliss from such a source, will 
invariably find the words of the poet emphati- 
cally true— 

" This life's a dream, an empty show." 

There is only one resting place for man's soul 
on earth, where he can look upon " All the 
good and ill that chequers life," with com- 
placency and fearless joy ; but one path, where 
each successive step will be one of increased 
light, glory and bliss. That resting place is 
the bosom of the Lord Jesus Christ, attained by 
a simple, implicit, child-like faith. That path 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



115 



is the path of duty, the way of holiness. The 
man who looks to the future and expects to be 
greatly happy, and greatly useful, and greatly 
successful, because he is united by a living 
faith to God, and because he expects to wear 
out in his service ; surely he will not be dis- 
appointed. To him this life will not be " a 
dream, an empty show," but he will find in it 
joys substantial and sincere, and " glory be- 
gun below." ]Now in reference to a profession. 
I should rejoice to have you preach the gospel, 
but not in your present state of mind. I feel 
that you have talents and acquirements that, if 
rightly directed, would enable you to act a 
conspicuous part in this world's reformation. 
But you need baptizing — consecrating to the 
work — by the Holy Ghost. No man should 
take this office to himself, but he who is called 
of God. I think every man of the requisite 
talents has in these days a common call ; such 
as every sinner has to repentance and faith, 
but there is a special call, a holy designation 
to the work by God himself. No man is fit to 
preach the gospel who has not felt in a measure 
in his spirit the triune God laying his hands 
upon him, and setting him apart to the work, 
and the Divine voice urging him onward to its 
performance. Many have entered the sacred 
ministry lightly, and are a curse to the church. 



116 



EDWARD WEED. 



In deciding your calling, you measurably decide 
your destiny. Weigh the matter well. Look 
to God earnestly. Have a single eye. 

" All things thus far are moving on smoothly 
in our congregation. Our influence is on the 
increase, and I trust we are also increasing in 

holiness. Where is L ? We have heard 

that C is sick ; how is he ? — we wish much 

to hear. Give my warmest love to him." 

"Paterson, Aug. 11th. 
"Dear Brother : — I have been for the last 
few weeks feeling very anxious on your behalf. 
You are now through college, and the next 
thing is for you to choose a profession and 
then pass through the requisite preparation. 
I have been fearful lest you should decide 
wrong, without sufficient reflection and humble, 
fervent prayer. Lest feeling should govern 
you more than reason and genuine love to God 
and man. I presume there are but two pro- 
fessions between which your mind is vacillat- 
ing: Divinity and Law. I have two objections 
to your studying law — 1st, I am afraid if you 
become a lawyer and a politician you will lose 
your sbul. Their temptations are great, and 
not more than one in a hundred succeed in 
resisting them. How rare to find a devoted, 
thorough Christian among them ; though there 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



117 



are many professors. I know not how to 
express my view of the condition of the mass 
of these so well as by quoting from a poem 
which I found in Coleridge — 

' God and the world, we worship both together, 
Draw not our laws to Him, but his to ours, 

Untrue to both, so prosperous in neither, 
The imperfect will brings forth but barren flowers. 

Unwise, as all distracted interests be, 

Strangers to God, fools in humanity ; 

Too good for great things, and too great for good, 

While still, / dare not, waits upon, I would. 1 

This extract describes, I am fearful, the great 
majority of professed Christians among lawyers 
and politicians, and just what I fear you would 
be should you choose the profession of law. 
2d, I think you can accomplish more good by 
direct effort than you can by indirect. Hence 
I would say, if your heart is set on doing 
good, and the most good, give yourself directly 
to the work. If you wish to be honored by 
the -President of the Universe, present yourself 
to him, a most obedient subject, and he will 
give you an appointment which shall be a 
crown of everlasting honor. Would you have 
fame, heralded by the angels of God, through 



118 



EDWARD WEED. 



all the realms of gloiy 5 seek from his Son a full 
commission to preach his everlasting gospel, 
and all that you wish or ask shall be more 
than realized. I hope you will not fix upon 
any plan until I see you." 



■CHAPTER XL 

BEGGING TOUR DEATH OF MRS. WEED— CALL 

TO BROOKLYN. 

The church in P , to which Mr. "Weed 

ministered, was in many respects blessed and 
prosperous ; but they were constantly embar- 
rassed and crippled by the heavy debt which 
they had incurred in building. His earnest 
desire to free them from this, prompted him to 
leave them a few weeks, and solicit the aid of 
other churches in their behalf. A brief jour- 
nal kept at- this period, and a few letters, give 
a short history of this tour, and of the en- 
couragement that he received from abroad : 

"Sept. 21, 1843. — Started on a begging tour. 
Went to New York city, and put up with S. 
E. P . 

" Z2d. — Made arrangements to preach in the . 

congregations of Brethren C — — , M and 

E . 



120 



EDWARD WEED. 



" 236?.— Spent most of the day in preparing 
a sermon. Went to Brooklyn and visited Br. 
J . 

" 2^th. — Preached three times from Ps. 
cxxvi. 6 — ' He that goeth forth and weepeth, 
bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come 
again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves 

with him.' Collected $70 in Brother C s' 

church. 

u 25th.— Called on Br. C , Br. W , 

&c. 

" 26th.— Called on Br. L. T , and ob- 
tained a donation of $50 in anti-slavery books, 

for Paterson church. Returned to P , 

and attended to a case of discipline in the 
church. 

u 27th. — Visited several families, and then 
returned to New York and Brooklyn. Preached 
in the evening for Br. J . 

" 28th. — W ent out to solicit for the church, 
and obtained only $9. 

" 29th. — Spent the day in soliciting, and 
obtained $29. 

" 30th. — Spent the morning with Br. C , 

and obtained $11 for church. Wrote to wife 
and Br. C . 

u Oct. 1st. — Preached in the First Free 
Church of Brooklyn, from Ps. cxxvi. 6, and 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



121 



obtained a subscription of $65.01 for ray 
church. 

" 2d. — Spent the morning with Br. W . 

"Wrote an article in reference to the promis- 
cuous sitting of colored people in churches, 

and had a long conversation with Br. 0 

upon the subject. Visited Br. A. S , and 

obtained some names to call upon for dona- 
tions. 

44 3rd. —Spent the morning in Brooklyn. 
Read the last two chapters of 2d Cor., in 
Greek, with Dr. Bloomfield's comments. 
"Went over to New York and obtained $26 
for our church. Returned to Paterson, and 
in the evening attended a session meeting. 

44 4:th. — Spent at home, making provision 
for fuel, &c, and in the evening attended ses- 
sion meeting. 

44 5th. — Went to New York and returned to 

P , and then prepared to leave home for 

Providence, R. I. Took passage in the steamer 
Massachusetts. Spent the evening in reading 
the Greek Testament — read the first three 
chapters of Galatians. - 

44 6th.— Arrived at P ■ at 4 A. M. Called 

on Dea C , and breakfasted with him. 

Called on Brethren P and H , and 

Dr. T— . Spent the night at Dea. C ? s. 

"7th. — Spent the morning in writing; in 



122 



EDWARD WEED. 



P. M. called on Brother P , and with him 

visited Rev. S. T. "W— — . Spent the evening 
with Dea. C . 

" 8th. — Preached in the morning at High 

Street Church ; P. M., for Br. W ; in the 

evening attended Sabbath-school concert. 
The day was exceedingly stormy. 

u 9th.— Spent the day in soliciting — obtain- 
ed $44. Preached in the evening to a solemn 
and attentive audience, from Eccl. xii. 1 — ■ 
'Remember now thy Creator in the days of 
thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor 
the years draw nigh when thou shalt say, I 
have no pleasure in them.' Felt the Lord 
was good to my soul. 

" 10th — Spent most of the day in soliciting 
— obtained $21. Attended the Council for 
dissolving the Pastoral Connection between 

Brother P and the High Street Church. 

In the evening, attended and spoke at tempe- 
rance meeting." 

"Providence, Oct. 9th, 1843. 
" My Dear "Wife : — I had a very pleasant 
and speedy trip to this place. Found Brother 

P here, and pretty well for him. He 

preached his farewell sermon yesterday after- 
noon. 

"The people part with him with deep re- 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



123 



gret. As usual, for him, he had obtained a 
strong hold upon their affections. It will be 
difficult for them to obtain another man who 
will make his place good. I preached for 
him in the morning, and for Mr. W — — in 
the afternoon. "What will be the result of my 
labors, I cannot tell. They are not in the 
habit of taking up collections on the Sabbath 
— I shall have to call upon individuals. The 
prospect, at present, is rather dull, but I am 
not discouraged: shall do the best I can, and 
leave the result with the Lord. My health is 
very good : I suppose you are very feeble, 
and, at times, suffer great pain : you must 
quiet yourself, and trust in the Lord. Be as- 
sured I remember home and its sweet scenes. 
I hope the work I have to do will soon be 
accomplished, but how soon I cannot tell. 
This begging business is any thing but plea- 
sant or desirable in itself, but it is an admi- 
rable discipline, and just what I need to 
humble my pride. I trust you pray for me. 
I expect to go to Boston, "Wednesday ; shall 
probably remain there over the Sabbath ; if 
you write immediately a letter will reach me 
there. Direct to the care of Rev. ¥m. P. 
Russel. I suppose, before this reaches you, 

that sisters C — — , L and A , will have 

left you. I shall regret their absence when I 



124 



EDWARD WEED. 



return, but, I suppose, T and L are 

with you, and will be a comfort to you. My 
warmest love to them." 

" Dear Brother : — I am sorry that it so 
happened that I was necessarily absent from 
home when you came. Should like to have 
been there to assist you in getting your school 
under way, though I think you will have no 
difficulty. Perhaps you had better advertise. 
Let me say, my dear brother, that if you 
would do much in the world, you must be a 
close student and a deep thinker. Off-hand 
readiness and superficial sparkling will do for 
a first impression ; but, that passed, the foun- 
dation material will be discovered. If that is 
pure gold, the first impression will only en- 
hance its value ; but, if not, it will be con- 
sidered an outside shining cover to a base 
metal. I trust your mind is made up, to 
apply yourself to study with great diligence. 
Be sure and master every thing you put your 
hand to. I cannot say, now, when I shall be 

home. Much love to L . Please write in 

wife's letter." 

" Salem, Mass., Oct 23d. 
"My Dear Wife : — I have got no farther 
than this place, instead of Lowell, as I antici* 



FAITH AND WOKKS. 



125 



pated, when I last wrote. Last week was, in 
many respects, an eventful week to me. I 
w^as thrown amid nearly all the 'lions,' alias 
wonders, of this Eastern "World. My eyes 
were constantly in use, and my bump of won- 
der and admiration perceptibly enlarged. 

" I shall not take time now to describe my 
wanderings, but leave that until I get home, 
for one of those family chats for which I am 
so famous. I am now at one of the oldest 
settlements of New England, the scene of the 
ancient witchcraft. It is one of the most 
quiet cities I ever visited, possessed of im- 
mense wealth, accumulated almost entirely 
by traffic upon the high seas. I preached yes- 
terday in two different congregations. To-day 
I shall commence my pastoral solicitation, 
with what success the future will reveal. I 
worked hard last week, and got only about 
$55. You may be assured that it is hard 
work to go into the midst of strangers to me 
and my church, and present my cause. Still 
I find it admirable discipline, and well adapted 
to improve my personal address. I shall not 
reach Lowell until the latter part of this week • 
of course shall not hear from you until then, 
and must remain in ignorance and suspense, 
whether you are sick or well, dead or alive. 
This is trying, and were it not that I 



126 



EDWARD WEED. 



had learned to commit all things into the 
hands of our Heavenly Father, I could not 
endure it. My own health is good ; my cold 
has in a great measure left me. I expect to 
spend a day or two in this city and vicinity; 
then visit Newburyport, and from there pro- 
ceed to Lowell, where I expect to spend next 
Sabbath, get your letter of last and also of 
this week. When I shall return home I can- 
not tell. You cannot wish me home more 
than I long to be there. But the Lord has 
laid this sore travail upon me, and I must pass 
through it. I have made up my mind long 
since to decline no service, however disagree- 
able it may be to my feelings, if it be a mani- 
fest Christian duty. It is a blessed privilege 
to take up our cross and follow Christ. Much 

love to T , L , and little E . Keep 

me advised of all the important things pass- 
ing in our parish. Does Brother W keep 

up the interest on the Sabbath ? "Write to me 
again at Lowell." 

Before Mr. Weed had time to finish his 
work of soliciting for his church, he was called 
to attend the sick, and what proved to be the 
dying bed of his wife. Her health had long 
been feeble, and she survived the birth of an 
infant son only two weeks. Though her 



FAITH AKD WOKKS. 



127 



death was sudden, she was not taken unawares. 
In her last letter to her husband she says : 

" The Lord is my refuge and strength. I 
have long since made this my abiding place." 
And when told that it was the chill of death 
that gathered upon her, "The cup my 
Heavenly Father giveth me, shall I not drink 
it ? " was her submissive response. But in 
this hour of heavy sorrow Mr. Weed wept 
not alone. Probably a pastors wife was never 
more beloved, or her death more regretted. 
An extract from his diary at the time of this 
affliction, shows that while he sorrowed as a 
man, he recognized the hand that smote him, 
and submitted like a Christian. 

"Dec 12th, 1843.— This has been the most 
trying day of my life. I arose in the morn- 
ing, waited on my dear sick wife ; found her 
very feeble. Some time in the morning she 
was attacked with a severe chill, accompanied 
with a palpitation of the heart. We tried to 
produce a re-action, but were unsuccessful. 
Death, like a staunch murderer, marched right 
on to his prey, and her happy spirit took its 
departure precisely at eleven o'clock, P. M. 
During her whole sickness not a doubt crossed 
her peaceful breast. All was as calm and 



128 



EDWARD WEED. 



sweet as the sunshine of heaven. We were 
married November 5th, 1836, a little more 
than seven years since. Just previous to our 
marriage she received a large baptism of the 
Holy Spirit, the savor of which she never lost. 
Her faith took a higher stand-point, and I 
never knew her to doubt her acceptance in 
the beloved. The sting of death was taken 
away and its terrors banished. She loved to 
dwell upon the subject of dying. This blow 
of Divine Providence has lacerated my whole 
soul. ' The Lord gave, and the Lord hath 
taken away ; blessed be the name of the 
Lord.' 

" 13th. — This day has been spent in writing 
letters to the friends of my departed wife, in- 
forming them of her death, and in receiving 
the visits and sympathies of dear friends who 
have come in to condole with me. Sad and 
joyful have the hours passed. 

" 14dh. — To-day I have deposited the remains 
of my dear wife in the grave. The feelings of 
my heart as I took the last look, and heard the 
earth strike upon the coffin, language cannot 
express. But it is done, sealed by the eternal 
fiat There is no recalling the past ; tears nor 
supplications cannot bring her back. Blessed 
be God that it is so. Who would bring her 
down again from the joys of heaven to the 



FAITH AND WOBKS. 



129 



pains of earth ? Rev. Samuel Cochran preach- 
ed her funeral sermon from Job i. 21, last 
clause. Brother T. D. Weld was present, and 
gave a touching sketch of her eventful and 
useful life. Tears flowed profusely in the great 
congregation. 

" Thou art gone to the grave, 
I will not deplore thee.'' 

" Deo. 24dh. — During the past week have 
made thirteen pastoral visits. To-day preached 
twice and attended Sabbath-school and con- 
ference meeting. 

u 25th. — Made five visits and attended 
prayer-meeting at Brother McLaughlin's. Had 
a precious meeting. 

" 30th. — Preached at Newark three times to- 
day. 

" Jan. 1st, 1844. — Beturned from Newark. 
Met the young people at three P. M. After- 
ward called on several families. Brother 
¥ra. Cochran preached for me in the evening 
on the law. 

" 2d, — Spent the morning with Brother 

C . Visited in the afternoon. Brother 

C preached in the evening. 

" 3^.— Spent the day visiting. Preached in 
the evening. 



130 



EDWARD WEED. 



« 4^.— Brother Eussel arrived, and preached 
in the evening. Brother 0 left. 

" 7th. — Sabbath.— Brother R preached 

in A. M. P. M. communion celebrated, and 

Brothers Y and C had their children 

baptized. In the evening we had a most 
solemn and impressive meeting. 

" Sth. — In the morning read Eph. iv. 25 to 
v. 3, critically in Greek. Read also a part 
of Dr. Smith's lecture on the connection of the 
nervous and muscular influence with the men- 
tal and moral developments of man. Read 
Karnes on the powers of the passions to diffuse 
themselves to kindred subjects. Wrote to 
Brother S , of Mount Yernon. 

u 29th. — Went to Brooklyn to attend a meet- 
ing of the First Free Church. Saw — — and 
conversed with him. Found him a poor, 
withered, blasted man. Poor fellow! Re- 
turned home and found dear babe sick. Con- 
cluded to let Mrs. C take it away to 

nurse." 

During the autumn of 1843, Mr. Weed re- 
ceived a call from several different churches to 
become their pastor ; and though his church 

in P unanimously opposed his leaving 

them, there were some reasons presented to his 
mind in the urgent invitation which he received 
from the First Free Presbyterian Church of 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



131 



Brooklyn, that led him to decide to go there. 
It was the opinon of the leading men in that 
church, that he was the only man of their ac- 
quaintance who could build them up, after the 
sad calamity that had just then fallen upon them.. 
He was dismissed from the church in Pater- 
son on 29th of January, 1844:, and the same 
day the Rev/ ¥m. P. Russel received an in- 
vitation to take his place, which he accepted, 
giving Mr. Weed the satisfaction that his be- 
loved flock w r ould not be left as sheep without 
a shepherd, but that in this respect they were 
very desirably provided for. 



CHAPTEE XII. 



REMOVES TO BROOKLYN. SECOND MARRIAGE. 

FINISHES HIS LABORS IN BROOKLYN. 

The 1st of February, 1844, Mr. Weed re- 
moved to Brooklyn, and commenced his labors 
there in the First Free Presbyterian Church. 
The June following he was installed pastor of 
the church to w^hich he ministered by the Con- 
gregational Association, of which he was a mem- 
ber. Soon after his installation he wrote to a 
friend : " Since you left, a part of the time my 
health has been poor, but now I am well, both 
in body and mind. The Lord is blessing my 
soul, and pressing me on in his work. It 
seems to me I have no desire to live but to 
glorify God and do good to my fellow-men. 
It is my continued and earnest prayer to be 
filled with all his fullness. He is prospering 
me in my labors, and giving me power over 
the people. The Lord is filling me with ten- 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



133 



derness and love toward himself, toward his 
friends, and the whole human race. Pray 
much ; pray in the Holy Ghost. Pray for me, 
yourself, and the church." In August, Mr. 
Weed left his people for a few weeks to rest 
and recruit himself.* He wrote to his brother 
soon after: 

* " Poughkeepsie, Aug. 18£A, 1844. 
" Dear Brother : — I have concluded to 
keep a little journal of my travels and send to 
you. Of the incidents of our journey to the 
boat you have a living copy in your own brain. 

In due time the boat got underway. S 

and myself stationed ourselves on the upper 
deck, in a position to feast our eyes with all 
the wonders of the city, rear landscapes, vil- 
lages, &c, each with book in hand, so that be- 
tween looking, talking, and reading, the hours 
passed swiftly and sweetly by until we landed 
at the Poughkeepsie dock, where we found 

good Brother W with a carriage awaiting 

our arrival. And soon, under his hospitable 
roof, we were made to feel as much at home as 
in our own house. Seldom have I met with a 
family who have so happy a faculty of making 
their guests feel that they are entirely wel- 
come. During the P. M., feeling fatigued, I 
kept in-doors, and busied myself in reading 
12 



EDWARD WEED* 



the ' Oberlin Evangelist, 5 containing (among 
other things, my sermon and) ' Finney on 
Sanctification.' My soul had a feast of fat 
things. I felt my whole heart lifting itself up 
to the eternal throne, and crying out*after per- 
fect purity, that the image Divine might be 
impressed upon my whole being. What bless- 
ing is there in the whole universe so great, so 
glorious, as that of being in the moral likeness 
of our God ? I have witnessed what wealth 
and human applause can do for man, and I 
feel, in my very soul, that in their height and 
depth, they are very vanity. But a pure 
heart, a soul fashioned in the heavenly mould, 
is an i inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and 

that fadeth not away.' After tea S • and 

myself went out into the village for a promenade. 

You are aware that P lies on the east side * 

of the Hudson, on the slope of a hill, that 
rises gradually from the river. Back of the 
village, hill after hill, and range after range, 
rise and spread themselves out in every va- 
riety of form. The hand of cultivation has 
smoothed and crowned their summits with 
fruits and grain meet for the use of man. 
West of the Hudson, that rolls its wide and 
beautiful waters at the foot of the town, rise 
and spread out as far as the eye can reach, 
all in a high state of cultivation: other hills 



FAITH AJSD WOEKS. 



135 



and ranges, seeming to answer to those on 
the east, hill to hill, and range to range, 
like two merry choirs of youth, in health and 
beauty, arranged for the harmonious song, and 
joyous dance. As we w T ent forth, the sun had 
just disappeared beyond the western range, 
tinging by his departing rays the fleecy clouds 
and eastern summits with gold. The evening 
zephyrs seemed simultaneously to rise from 
every hill and glen, loaded with the fragrance 
of summer, and imparting their soothing and 
invigorating power. We stood, gazed, ad- 
mired, wept for joy, and exclaimed, If this be 
the footstool of our Heavenly Father, what 
must be his throne ! In a moment, in imagi- 
nation, w T e were carried to the heights of hea- 
ven, and through these types below, seemed 
to survey the glorious realities above. We 
thought of mother, Phebe, Harriet, and other 
dear departed friends, going forth amid the 
beauties and sublimities of the paradise of 
God — taking not their evening walks, for c no 
night is there.' And again we shed tears of 
gratitude and joy, and continued our walk, 
dilating upon the wonderful and glorious pros- 
pects of God's dear children. That we re- 
turned to our lodgings edified and refreshed 
you will readily believe. Sabbath morning 
came ; I spent it in prayer, and contemplating 



136 



EDWAKD WEED, 



the great and precious promises made to be- 
lievers, until my soul seemed to be winged. 
Visited the Sabbath-school, and addressed the 
children. Preached in the morning, to a good- 
sized audience, from the resolution of Joshua, 
6 As for me and my house, we will serve the 
Lord in the afternoon, from ' The goodness 
of God leadeth thee to repentance and in 
the evening, from ' Trust in the Lord and do 
good.' During the whole day the heat was 
excessively oppressive, but my strength held 
out well, and I was enabled to speak with ease 
and my usual power. It is now Monday. I 
I arose early, and had a most precious season 
of prayer and studying the subject of sanctifi- 
cation. My heart and my flesh cried out after 
the living God. I feel more and more, my 
dear brother, that I must be a holy man. That 
I must honor my office as a minister of Christ. 
I am determined to husband my time ; to use 
every moment that I can command in pressing 
my inquiries after truth. I see a beauty, glory, 
and loveliness in truth that perfectly enamours 
my soul. I can truly say, I rejoice over it 
more than he that taketh great spoil. It is 
now between ten and eleven A. M., and in the 
course of an hour we shall be pursuing our 

journey. Brother W and his wife will 

accompany us to Troy. 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



137 



"(D. Y.) you shall hear from me again 
anon." 

" Packet-hmt, Aug. 20th. — Owing to our 
state of health, we concluded at Schenectady 
to take the canal packet, instead of jarring 
along all night in the railroad cars. But in 
doing so we made a most wretched exchange. 
We found the boat crowded inside and out; 
had hardly room to place our feet, much less 
to sit down, all of us at a time. They made 
up no berths. S was up all night. I suc- 
ceeded in getting a berth of one of the hands 
of the boat. They have just invited me to 
preach on the boat; if I can command the 
time after that service, I will write more. 

u 21st. — Hotel Oriskany. — Last evening we 
stopped here and hired a carriage to go ouc a 
few miles to visit a friend, who we found was 
absent from home. We were much disap- 
pointed ; but returned immediately here and 
spent the night, and expect soon to be on our 
way again. The Lord had some other work 
for us to clo to-day, and before night we may 
understand the cause of our disappointment. 
We hope to be in Oswego Friday evening, and 
spend the 25th, the Sabbath, in Buffalo. And 
I hope to return after my northern tour, (Deo 
12* 



138 



EDWARD WEED. 



volente,) the 5th or 6th of September to Whites- 
town. But I must close. May the glory of 
the Lord fill your heart." 

Mr. "Weed returned to Whitestown at the 
time he anticipated, and the 9th of September 
was united in marriage to Miss Porter, a 
young lady who was an intimate friend of his 
first wife before her marriage, and with whom 
he became acquainted while she was, for a sea- 
son, engaged in teaching in their boarding- 
school in Mount Vernon. About the middle 
of September he returned with his wife to 
Brooklyn, and with strength renewed from the 
relaxation he had enjoyed in his tour, he en- 
gaged in his duties as a pastor. 

Sometime later in the autumn he had an at- 
tack of influenza, inducing a distressing cough, 
which lasted some weeks ; and for the first 
time since he began to preach, he was obliged 
on account of illness to employ some one to 
supply his place in the pulpit. 

In February, 1845, at the earnest solicita- 
tion of the church at Long Ridge, Conn., he 
spent a week or two in laboring in a protracted 
meeting there. Though the presence of the 
Lord was graciously manifest in this meeting, 
it was not attended with the power that was 
Been and felt in the one he labored in there 



FAITH AND WOKKS. 



139 



two years before. The result of his labors at 
this time are mentioned in letters written dur- 
ing the time of the meeting. 

. " Long Eidge, Feb. 23d, 1845. 
" My Dear Wife : — It is Sabbath evening 
between ten and eleven o'clock. I have 
preached twice to-day, and attended a prayer- 
meeting during the evening. Since I came 
here I have preached eleven sermons. My 
health is improving, my cough not so bad as 
when I left home. As to the meeting, I will 
state the difficulties and the favorable things. 
The travelling has been exceedingly bad ever 
since I have been here. Many of the people 
are suffering under severe colds. One of the 
most active, zealous men in the church, lies at 
the point of death, and his family all sick w 7 ith 
the measles. In a neighboring parish, (North 
Stamford,) they have a protracted meeting in 
progress, Rev. Mr. B , of New York, assist- 
ing, which takes away some of the lay help 
expected at this meeting. There are not more 
than three or four males that can take an ac- 
tive part, consequently there are but few to 
engage in efficient labor. Now the favorable 
things. The Lord is with me, and enables me 
to preach his word with unction and power. 
The truth has evidently taken hold of the 



140 



EDWARD WEED. 



church and the impenitent. - Every successive 
meeting has increased in numbers and interest 
until to-day, the severe rain has kept many at 
home. Our meetings were notwithstanding 
exceedingly solemn and impressive. Some 
are awakened, and three have told me that 
their minds were fully made up to serve the 
Lord. Others are more or less impressed with 
the truth. I expect to remain until Friday 
morning, and then return home; unless there 
should be special indications making it duty 
to stay. I feel anxious to hear from you, and 
more so to see you. I love my family ten- 
derly, and the nearer my heart gets to the 
Lord the more it clusters about them. My 
congregation also lies with weight upon my 

heart. Pray for me. Give my love to C 

and M , and little B ." 

" Long Bidge, Feb. 26th. 
" I have just received your very precious let- 
ter. It did me great good. Since the Sabbath 
our meetings have been increasing in numbers 
and interest. This evening we have had a full 
assembly and very great solemnity. The Spirit 
of the Lord was present, and a deep impression 
was made. There is great reluctance to have me 
leave at present. It seems to me now to be duty 
to stay over the Sabbath, and follow up the 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



141. 



impression already made. My strength holds 
out. My cough is much better. This morn- 
ing I had no coughing turn, and have not had 
any during the day. I shall write to Brother 

C about my staying. I may be home on 

Saturday evening, and I may not until Friday 
week. I have not time to tell you my experi- 
ence since I have been here. I have had 
some blessed seasons of communion with God, 
and I rejoice that you enjoj^ so much peace. 
Be assured you live in the innermost temple 
of my heart. L'ove to dear little Benny." 

After Mr. Weed's return to Brooklyn he 
continued his unremitting labors in his own 
parish until the first of May, a year and three 
months from the time he came there ; when, 
at his own request, he was dismissed from his 
pastoral charge. He was led to make this re- 
quest from the evident manifestation of cold- 
ness and want of co-operation on the part of 
some of the leading men, who at the time of 
his leaving Paterson were the most earnest in 
persuading him that this, of all others, was the 
place for him to do good ; and he. of all others, 
was the man to do it. The mass of the church 
and congregation desired him to continue 
among them as their pastor. Of these he 
made the earnest request that for his sake they 



142 



EDWAKD WEED. 



would vote for his dismission. And on the 
following Sabbath he preached his farewell 
sermon. He left amid the regrets of many, 
who felt that they had been edified and built 
up under his preaching, and others who, 
through his instrumentality, had passed from 
death to life, and were now rejoicing in hope 
of the glory of God. 



CHAPTEE XIII. 



RETURN TO PATERSON LETTERS — TEMPERANCE. 

The church in Paterson, who parted with 
Mr. Weed when he went to Brooklyn, with 
great reluctance, were now left without a min- 
ister, in a very depressed state, and almost 
ready to sell their church and give up their 
organization. But they turned to Mr. Weed 
with new hope, unanimously soliciting him 
to become their pastor again. He accepted 
their invitation, and after an absence of fifteen 
months was happily settled again with his for- 
mer charge. In a letter to a brother he speaks 
of all these changes as from the good hand of 
God. 

" Paterson, June llth, 1845. 
" Dear Brother : — Tou have just cause to 
complain of our neglect, until you hear of our 
excuse. It is now almost three months since 



144 



EDWARD WEED. 



we were at your house. It does not seem as 
though it could be so long. The older we 
grow the more rapidly does time fly. Since 
our return it has been one continued series of 
revolutions with us. Our leaving Brooklyn 
was sudden and unexpected to us, and brought 
about by means entirely above us, and beyond 
our control. The hand of the Lord, I doubt 
not, has been in it all, guiding and directing 
in his infinite wisdom and love. We are now 
happily settled among my former people in 
this place. The church was almost run down, 
and just ready to give up the ghost, but my 
coming among them has inspirited them again. 
The congregation has at once filled up, and 
what is most and best of all, the Spirit of the 
Lord seems to be among them. Some have 
already been healed of their backslidings, and 
the Spirit is moving upon others. My own 
soul is greatly stirred up. The Lord is trying 
to do a great work upon my heart, and if I do 
not resist, it will be accomplished. I trust I 
shall not. O, my brother, how much it means 
to he holy. To he dead to self, to the world, 
and fully alive to God. How vast the differ- 
ence in being moved by the Spirit and grace 
of God in all that we do, instead of the im- 
pulses of our nature, and the dictates of our 
own unaided understandings. In one word, to 



FAITH AND WOKKS. 



145 



he purely men of grace, instead of natural men. 
This is a subject that is at present most intense- 
ly occupying my mind. I am searching the 
Divine record to ascertain as clearly as possible 
what are the influences of the Spirit, and their 
precise effects upon our natural faculties, and 
powers, and actions, which all Christians are 
warranted in expecting and enjoj^ing, and 
without which they are not sons. I am per- 
suaded here is a field of investigation, of great 
practical importance, and which has never 
been fully explored, since the Apostolic age. 
A subject which the ministry and the church 
must understand clearly and practically before 
we can advance far beyond our present position. 
What constitutes true spirituality is but little 
understood by the mass of professed Christians. 
But blessed be God, the attention of the min- 
istry and intelligent laymen, is beginning to 
be powerfully turned to this point. The har- 
vest is ripening — the sickle will soon be thrust 
in, and glorious sheaves of righteousness will 
be reaped. I do not believe that God is about 
to abandon this country to the devil. To give 
it up to intemperance, licentiousness, Sabbath- 
breaking, and oppression. No! the arm of his 
mercy will soon be stretched out ; the power of 
his truth and Spirit felt, the church will be 
purified from her dross ; and, clad in her robes 



146 



EDWARD WEED. 



of fine linen, will shine forth 'clear as the 
sun, fair as the moon, 5 and become indeed, 
4 terrible as an army with banners. 5 Blessed 
Lord, hasten the day.. 

" Wife left home with sister L last 

Wednesday for W . Both of them were 

in tolerably good health. They probably 
reached -there the next day, as they intended 
to go through by the railroad. I wish much 
to visit you this summer, and take the tour we 
spoke of; but whether my Heavenly Father 
w T ill give me the time to do so I cannot now 

tell. Love to sister P . Let me hear from 

you soon. 55 

"Paterso^, June 10£A, 1845. 
" My Dear Wife : — It is now Monday mor- 
ning. After leaving you, I went directly over 
to Brooklyn — spent the night at brother 
T 's. Mrs. T — — ■ and the babe were suf- 
fering from severe colds. In the morning I 

called at Capt. K 5 s. Poor Sarah has gone 

home to Vermont, very sick. Her recovery is 
very doubtful. If I could tell you of the pros- 
perity of the little church, I would speak of it. 
I am afraid we have not prayed enough for 
them ; and perhaps somewhat of unhallowed 
bitterness was engendered in our hearts to- 



FAITH AND WOKKS. 



147 



wards some of them. I spent most of the day 
in New York. 

Yesterday was a very warm day. The ther- 
mometer stood at 91 in the shade. Notwith- 
standing this we had a full house and good 
attention. I felt unusual strength of body, 
and to-day feel far less lassitude than is 
common for me on Mondays. My general 
health seems to be better than usual — I feel 
my heart strongly drawn out after holiness. It 
seems to me the Lord is endeavoring to do a 
deep work of grace in me ; I hope I shall not 
hinder it. Pray for me earnestly and continu- 
ally ; I desire to be filled with all the fulness of 
God. All the ministers of Jesus .Christ must 
reach this point before salvation will flow through 
our instrumentality. Be assured you are re- 
membered in all my prayers. This morning I 
have had a most precious time in studying the 
sacred oracles. The Lord is beginning to open 
my eyes to see some of the exceeding glory 
of his Word. My heart has been this morning 
like a gushing fountain ; but I put no con- 
fidence in emotions and clear views to save or 
deliver from sin. They are often, however, 
evidence of progress in the Di vine life. My 
heart is drawn out for entire sanctification for 
myself and you. I cannot tell you how I long 
that we ma y be a holy couple ; that in , every 



148 



EDWARD WEED. 



relation of life, we may show forth the praise 
of God ; that the whole body of sin may be 
removed, and that Christ may be fully and 
truly put on. This morning I have been 
earnestly studying to understand the distinc- 
tion between the servitude of the old dispensa- 
tion, and the Sonship of the new ; so often 
alluded to and contrasted by the New Testa- 
ment writers. I think I have got a tolerabty 
clear view of the matter. But my sheet is full, 
not as full, however, as my heart. 

" Much love to dear L ; she has been so 

long with us that she seems like a sister to me, 

indeed. Love also to mother, brother D 

and wife. Kiss dear Benny for me. I hope 
to get a letter this week from you, and shall 
(D. V.) leave here next Monday." 

During the journey alluded to in the last 
two letters, Mrs. Weed met with an accident 
that caused her a long and dangerous illness. 
When she left home she had not recovered her 
usual strength, after protracted illness, in the 
form of intermitting fever, and subsequently 
varioloid ; the latter greatly endangering her 
life. To Mr. Weed's mind, these afflictions 
manifested only new tokens of the loving kind- 
ness of his heavenly Father, as will be seen by 
his continued letters. 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



149 



Paterson, June lteh, 1845. 

a My Dear Wife : — Both jour letters, by 

the hand of sister E , have been received. 

The Lord seems to be rolling one wave of 
affliction upon another over us. I begin to 
think he has taken us under his peculiar 
tuition, and is about to prepare us to do a great 
work for him. All these things are not against 
us, but for us. They are the workings of that 
divine hand, which ever ministers good to the 
servants of the Lord. I hope, my dear, you 
will not faint under these chastisements ; but 
say to your soul, ' why art thou disquieted 
within me ? Hope thou in God, for I shall yet 
praise Him for the help of His countenance.' 
I truly sympathize in your severe trials, and 
feel sorry that so great a burden is thrown 
upon your friends ; not that I think that they 
will feel it a burden. The Lord willing, I 
hope to be with you by Wednesday, perhaps 
Tuesday night. I am doubtful whether this 
reaches you before I do, and I consequently 
have written short." 

Mr. Weed hastened to his wife, remained 
with her until she was convalescent, then left 
her in care of her friends, and returned to his 
abundant labors among his people. The fol- 
lowing were written after his return. 
13* 



150 



EDWARD WEED. 



" Paterson, June 30, 1845. 
" My Dear Wife: — After we parted I had 
a quick passage home, and found all things 
safe and well here. Since I left you the image 
of that dear little babe has been constantly 
before me ; but I suppose while I *am writing 
its tiny body is sleeping with its mother earth. 
The thought fills me with sadness, but I look 
up and say, " Even so, Father; for so it seem- 
eth good in thy sight" I hope, dear, what- 
ever has been, is, or shall be, the dispensations 
of Divine Providence, we may both have grace 
cheerfully and meekly to say, "Thy will be 
done." After getting home I prepared two 
sermons, and preached them to my people yes- 
terday. Though the day was stormy we had 
a good congregation, and the Lord assisted me 
to preach his Word. It was a good day to my 
soul. I trust the Lord intends to do a good 
work through me among this people. Since 
my return my health has been remarkably 
good, and my soul in a continual glow in view 
of Divine truth. I long, I pant to fathom the 
depths of holiness and the truths of religion. 
To-day I have been out visiting among the 
people. What a work needs to be done in this 
place ! I wish I could paint to you two of the 
scenes I have witnessed to-day, but I must not 
attempt it. This week the temperance people 



FAITH AND WOEKS. 



151 



are holding a protracted temperance meeting ; 
that is, they are to have meetings every even- 
ing during the week, passing round in succes- 
sion to the various houses of public worship. 
The bells are now striking eight, and I must 
away to the meeting. 

" I have just returned from the meeting. It 
was held in the church in Prospect street. The 
house was full ; we had an enthusiastic meet- 
ing, and I think a first-rate impulse was given 
to the cause. I hope these meetings will result 
in much good. Drunkenness is emphatically 

the sin of P . Pray earnestly for us. I 

feel that I have a great work to do for my God 
and generation, and that it must be performed 
in a very short time. If no accident or un- 
foreseen providence should occur to shorten my 
life, I cannot hope to be an efficient laborer 
more than some fifteen or twenty years longer, 
and how soon they will have rolled around. I 
hope the Lord will richly prepare the minds of 
us both to do his work. But I must bid you 
good night, and close. I shall have no time to 
say more in. the morning, as I wish to put this 
in the first mail. The Lord willing, you shall 
hear from me again next week. 



"Patekson, July 7, 1845. 
" Your letter of last Monday was duly 



152 



EDWARD WEED. 



received. The intelligence it contained of 
the decease of our dear little babe, though 
not unanticipated, filled me with sadness. 
My heart bleeds over the spoils death has 
won. Be assured that you have my warm- 
est and most tender sympathies in all your 
trials. For several months past you have been 
called to pass through deep waters. I am re- 
joiced that the Lord has not suffered you to 
sink in them. Your letter did me much good. 
I hope and trust that the Lord will fill you with 
the consolations of his spirit. I think a wide 
and effectual door is being opened up here for 
usefulness. The past week has been one of 

great interest to the people of P . The 

temperance meetings, to which I alluded in my 
last, were kept up during the entire week with 
great and increasing interest. A mighty im- 
pulse was given to the cause. On the 4th the 
Sabbath-schools, in concert, formed a proces- 
sion, marched to the beautiful island of the 
Passaic, and there, under the broad canopy of 
heaven, shaded by the branches of the pine 
and sycamore, children, parents, and citizens 
listened to appropriate addresses. This passed, 
the procession formed again, left the island, 
when the schools separated, and w T ent each to 
their respective churches, where refreshments 
had been provided for them. In the P. M. 



FAITH ARi) WORKS. 



153 



the Temperance Society and citizens met on 
the island. An immense concourse of people 
were present. The addresses were good, and 
also the other exercises. In the evening the 
large Methodist church was filled, and temper- 
ance addresses were delivered and odes sung. 
On Saturday temperance meetings were held 
all day on the island, and in the evening at 
their hall, ' Yesterday P. M. at 6 o'clock 
another meeting was held on the island, and I 
presume three thousand persons were present. 
About one hundred signed the pledge. At 
eight they met in our church. The house was 
filled to overflowing. Mr. Edmonds, from 
New York, addressed the audience ; an excel- 
lent impression^was made. During the day our 
communion season occurred ; we had a precious 
time. The Lord was truly in our midst. 
Three united with the church on profession. 
Thus I have given you a very brief and meagre 
account of the public exercises of the week. 
That my hands, head and heart have been fully 
employed you will not doubt. But, notwith- 
standing all, my health is good, and I feel less 
Mondayish to-day than usual. You undoubt- 
edly think of me, alone in this large house, 
and feel to compassionate my case. Well, it 
would add greatly to my happiness to have my 
family with me, I am anxious you should 



154 



EDWABD "WEED. 



return as soon as it will be prudent and safe. 
I do not wish you to run any risk. Give my 
warmest love to all the friends. Adieu." 

Occasional extracts of letters is all the writ- 
ten record we have of Mr. Weed's labors for a 
year or more after the date of the above. But 
many living witnesses there are who can testify 
that he was never idle, but was always press- 
ing forward ; every moment occupied in im- 
proving his own mind, or in some labor of love 
for the good of others. He was found daily at 
the bedside of the sick ; often visiting the im- 
penitent, and inviting them to the fountain of 
living waters ; speaking words of comfort to 
the afflicted and sorrowing; and mingling his 
rejoicings with those that rejoice. While he 
uniformly spent his mornings in his study, he 
as scrupulously spent the afternoon in pastoral 
visiting; and he was never known to stay at 
home because of the weather, if it was ever so 
inclement. In a little book, in which he re- 
corded the dates and names of those visited, 
there is an average of from twenty to thirty 
families visited weekly for months together. 
He studied, not merely to prepare a sermon 
because he must have one for the next Sabbath, 
but he studied to gain a knowledge of the 
truth, that he might be a stronger man, and a 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



155 



better man for years to come ; and out of his 
storehouse, thus treasured, be able to bring 
things new and old, as they were needed. Had 
lie indulged in necessary relaxation, he would 
probably have lived longer ; and while he was 
often chiding himself because he did not ac- 
complish more,, as he looked around on the 
fields " white for the harvest others saw that 
he was fast using up those physical powers that 
so early found the quiet and rest of the grave. 

In March, 1846, he writes to a brother min- 
ister, " At present we are in very prosperous 
pleasant circumstances. The Lord is pouring 
his blessing upon us, in the conversion of souls. 
Last Sabbath fifteen were admitted to our com- 
munion. Others are indulging hopes, and others 
still are under conviction. My hands, head, 
and heart, are constantly employed." 

And again to the same : 

"Paterson, June 11£A, 1846. 

•"Dear Brother F : — This morning wife 

has reminded me of the promise I made when 
you were here, of a long letter. I presume 
you are busily engaged examining the stores 
of knowledge purchased on your recent visit to 
our great metropolis. Certain I am that you 
selected books, the contents of which if 



156 



EDWARD WEED. 



thoroughly digested, are adapted to enrich and 
inform the mind, and to elevate and purify the 
heart. Many a rich feast undoubtedly you 
have had from them, and richer repasts are 
probably in store for you. My own progress, 
I find, depends more upon my private studies 
and thoughts than all things else put together. 

"In secret silence of the mind, 
My heaven and there my God I find." 

My progress since you were here has been 
rather slow. The ship makes but a few knots 
an hour. I am now sailing along before rather 
a dull and gentle breeze. Have you read the 
slavery discussion in the New School Assem- 
bly? It is exceedingly important, and in- 
teresting in one point of view. It gives us the 
moral map of our whole country upon the sub- 
ject; and that map shows that the nation and 
church have been, and are now, making pro- 
gress upon the subject. I still believe that 
truth and righteousness are yet to triumph 
gloriously in our country, the Mexican war 
notwithstanding. The temperance triumph in 
New York State is another omen for good. 
c The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice. 5 Per- 
haps I may find my way up into your parish 
next month. I am anxious to visit the coal re- 



FAITH AKD WORKS. 



157 



gions of Pennsylvania. Should I go, will it be 
consistent for you to make the excursion with 
me ? Let us hear from you soon. Our Heav- 
enly Father blessed us with the gift of a pro- 
mising, healthy little son, on the 5th instant. 
Mother is still with: us, and doing much to 
make everything comfortable and agreeable. 
She will probably remain with us until the first 
of next month. All join in love to you, your 
wife, and little L — — . Vale Amice." 

"P. S. — T brought up the Daguerreo- 
type portrait. Anna exclaimed, 'Uncle F !' 

and the rest of us thought it a striking resem- 
blance of the bishop," 

Mr. "Weed ever remembered the interests of 
the poor slave, and always hailed with joy any 
movement that brightened the prospect that 
the day of his redemption from bondage was 
drawing nigh ; and he was always ready to 
lend a helping hand to hasten the time of their 
deliverance, or soften the rigor of their chains. 
He considered the publishing of the National 
Era at Washington as a token for good, and 
spent several weeks in New Jersey in solicit- 
ing subscribers. A letter, written while absent 
on this tour, alludes to his success. 



158 



EDWARD WEED. 



Sweedesboro, Dec. 31s£, 1846. 
" My Dear Wife : — It is now plain to me 
that it will be impossible to do up my work in 
this part of the state and get home this week. 
I have engaged Brother W — - — to supply the 
pulpit on the coming Sabbath. He will pro- 
bably arrive in Saturday's two o'clock train. 
Ask him to attend the session meeting on Satur- 
day evening at 8 o'clock in the session room. 

Get Brother C to go with him. I expect now 

to be home next Wednesday P. M., so as to 
attend the Bible class in the evening. My 
journey, thus far, has been a prosperous one.. 
Everything has moved on as happily as I could 
wish. 1 meet everywhere with a warm and 
hearty reception by the friends of the cause, 
have collected nearly $100, and expect to get an 
hundred more before I return. I think of you 
and our dear little boys every hour in the day. 
May the Lord bless and enrich your heart with 
his precious grace, and strengthen you in every 
good word and work. Father I suppose is 
some lonesome. Remember my love to him. 
I trust the Lord will restore me in due season, 
safe and well to you." 



CHAPTEE XIV. 



EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS AND DIARY. 

" Paterson, July 21*£, 1847. 
" My Dear "Wife : — My first letter was 
written and sent off in great haste. My object 
in sending it in such a hurry was that you 
might get it by Saturday. Since I wrote my 
health is greatly improved. On the Sabbath I 
preached only once. The Doctor preached for 
me in the P. M. This w^eek I have felt un- 
usually well. Though it has been excessively 
warm, my mind and body have acted their 
part vigorously. My heart is all astir. I am 
blessed in calling upon the Lord, and rolling 
all my burdens and cares upon him. There is 
fatal sickness among the children here. Last 

Sabbath we deposited the remains of J. J 's 

little babe in the grave with its mother ; and 
the Sabbath before we performed the same 
office for Mr. T 's infant daughter, whose 



160 



EDWARD WEED. 



mother died, you will recollect, about the time 
with Mrs. J — — . And yesterday I attended 
the funeral of Mr. M— 's babe; all died 
with cholera infantum. I am afraid little Eddy 
will forget me. May your life and his be pre- 
cious in the sight of the Lord." 

" New Foundland, August 25th. 
" My Dear Father : — Your letter was duly 
received. I was glad to hear from you and 

Brother H ■ and family. Wife and baby 

ar.e still at her mother's in W I expect to 

go up there with B next week. We shall 

expect to return next month, and shall be 
ready to receive you ; shall have a snug, warm 
little room for you. My health is good, though 
I am somewhat worn down with over-labor, 
and have come up into this hilly region to re- 
cruit. Where I am now writing is about 2,000 
feet above the level of the sea. It is a beauti- 
ful, highly cultivated country. The mountain 
ranges circle about us in every direction, inter- 
spersed with fertile vales and beautiful lakes. 
All well and prosperous at P . Pray earn- 
estly for your minister; practice all the good 
he preaches, and let the bad take care of itself, 
and you will get along well. If all Christians 
would do this they would soon have better 
times, and their ministers would improve." 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



161 



" Paterson, Oct. Uh. 
" Dhae Father : — We have a little room 
fitted up on purpose for you and expect you to 
come. "We do not feel it a burden to have 
you with us, or to exert ourselves to make you 
comfortable. We are all as well and prosper- 
ous as usual. I find an abundance to do. 
Enough to use me up every day. The Lord 
is moving in various ways among the peo- 
ple. We are expecting great things here this 
fall and winter. Pray for us. All join in 

love to you, and Brother and Sister II 

and L ." 

The following letter was addressed to a dear 
brother, just after he was licensed to preach : 

a Paterson, August 10^A, 1847. 
" Dear Brother :— Your letter was received 
yesterday. I had begun to wonder what you 
were doing, and was fearful you might be sick. 
It affords me great satisfaction to .learn that 
your health is improving, and I hope from this 
moment forward you will keep the strictest 
vigils over it. Good health is among the most 
precious of earthly blessings. I cannot tell 
you, my brother, how my heart has recently 
yearned over you. I desire to see you an effi- 
cient minister of Jesus Christ ; a workman 



162 "* EDWARD WEED. 



that needeth not to be ashamed ; a polished 
instrument in the hands of your God. But 
two things can make you such an one : an en- 
tire devotedness to your Master, and a clear 
and full knowledge of the truth as it is in 
Christ. The attainment of the one, will call 
for the highest and strictest discipline of the 
heart. The attainment of the other, the de- 
velopment of the strongest powers of the intel- 
lect. Neither will be accomplished without 
much prayer and divine aid. Permit me to 
suggest two things as landmarks to guide you 
in your course. One is, seek not your own 
things, but the things of Him that sent you. 

<{ ; Is there ambition in my heart? 
Search, gracious God, and see.* 

" I mean in listening to calls to go here or 
there. Let the true inquiry before your mind 
be, in which of these situations can I be most 
useful, and best subserve the end of my ministry ? 
Not what will most advance my personal in- 
terests. Alas ! how many are using the min- 
istry as a mere means to a comfortable and a 
respectable living. And what is their influ- 
ence but to make the sacred office a hissing 
and a by-word ? The other suggestion is, be 
not a mere botanist, or even a gardener on the 
field of your Lord. Strive to be an extensive 



FAITH AKD WORKS. 163 

farmer, bringing into the heavenly granary 
not only a few flowers and esculent plants, but 
a plentiful harvest of the substantial provisions 
qf life. Do you understand me ? I mean, let 
your sermons be full of truth, of deep and well- 
adjusted thought, rather than the mere tinsels 
and flourishes of rhetoric. My own health is 

good. I expect to visit W the first week 

in September ; may go as far as M . Tell 

the whole circle of friends I have them in 
everlasting remembrance." 

" August 10th, 1847. 

" Dear Brother F : — Yours and L 's 

letter was received yesterday. I hasten to re- 
ply. No one is at home with me, but B ; 

wife and little Neddy -are at mother's in 
W — ~. As I anticipated spending two weeks 
of September there, it will preclude my accept- 
ing your very attractive proposition. It would 
not do for me to be away from my people four 
weeks in succession. I am rejoiced that your 
attention is turned to the close and critical 
stud}? of the Scriptures. They are truly the 
fountain of light. All other books are but 
planetary bodies, refulgent with light, only as 
they are shone upon by the Bible. One of the 
grand causes of backsliding and lukewarmness, 
both in the ministry and in the church, at the 



164: 



EDWARD WEED. 



present day, is, that there is so little zeal and 
enthusiasm in the study of the Scriptures. 
The mind of the people is diverted, absorbed, 
and, I had almost said, entirely engrossed by 
the multiplicity of other books. Why, placed 
as I am, near the teeming, prolific press, a 
man needs an iron will to study the Bible sys- 
tematically and thoroughly ; he must be con- 
stantly on his watch-tower. Christ's gospel is 
not known, and consequently its power is not 
felt. O for a ministry that will devote them- 
selves to the study of the religion of Jesus 
Christ, with an earnestness and laborious per- 
severance that characterizes the devotees of 
science and literature! Had we such a minis- 
try, their influence would thrill through the 
nation. How little living faith is there in 
God's word! The power of its excellency is 
neither seen nor felt. Adhere, then, my bro- 
ther, to your resolution. Study the Bible care- 
fully, self-distrustingly, and reverently ; be- 
lieving and feeling it to be God's pure, una- 
dulterated word. You shall be a man of God, 
thoroughly furnished unto every good work. 
You speak of helps in the New Testament. 
You have Dr. Bloomfield. So far as gram- 
matical criticism is concerned it is invaluable. 
It, together with Robinson's and Donnegan's 
Lexicons, and Stewart's Greek Grammar of the 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



165 



New Testament, (recent edition,) you will have 
all the helps necessary. Wife's health re- 
mains delicate. Our little boys are well. My 
own health is as good as usual. "Why do you 
not write oftener ? Love, in abundance, to 
you both." 

"Paterson, Feb. 3d, 1848. 
" Dear Brother: — We were much gratified 
with the receipt and contents of your letter, 
and had all things made it right and practica- 
ble, we should have been exceedingly happy to 
have carried out your plan ; but circumstanced 
as we are it could not be done. It is my most 
busy season of the year; the time, of all 
others, when I am called upon to exert my ut- 
most energies. The Lord is moving by his 
Spirit upon the hearts of his people. There 
are some twenty inquirers in my congregation. 
We are hoping for a great and good work 
throughout the town. We have just closed a 
Union meeting of some four weeks. Profes- 
sors have been quickened, some souls con- 
verted, a great many seriously impressed. 
And we think, the influence has been very 
happy upon the community." 



166 



EDWARD WEED. 



EXTRACTS FROM DIARY, 

" January 1st, 1848.— Spent the day in writ- 
ing a sermon on Mark x. 17: 'What shall I 
do to inherit eternal life V Visited Brother 

W. Y . In the evening attended, for a 

little while, the juvenile concert ; spent the 
remainder of the evening with my family. 

" 2d. — Preached in the morning from Mark 
x. 17. P. M., visited the Sabbath-school, 
and administered the communion. Evening, 
preached at the Union meeting, in the First 
Presbyterian Church, from 1 Tim. ii. 8. Re- 
turned home, and read to my family part of 
the January No. of the Missionary Herald. 

" 3d — Spent a season in devotional exer- 
cises, according to my usual custom, and read 
a few pages of ' Neander's Planting and Train- 
ing.' Wrote several letters. Attended the 
ministers' meeting at Rev. Mr. S — - — 's, where 
it was unanimously agreed to commence a 
Union protracted meeting next week. This 
meeting was characterized with great good 
feeling and harmony of views. Made several 
pastoral visits, and in the evening attended 
our usual Monday -evening prayer-meeting. 
It was a precious meeting. 

" 4:th. — Arose early, had a precious season 
of prayer. Spent the A. M. in reading and 



FAITH AND WOKKS. 



167 



thinking upon evangelical faith. Was much 
refreshed by the views I obtained. P. M., 
married a couple, visited several families, and 
wrote a letter to Dr. B — - — , of Troy. 

" oth. — Studied critically Matthew, third 
chapter, consulting commentaries and the ori- 
ginal. Yisited five or six families, and in the 
evening attended Bible class. 

44 6th.— Attended the funeral of Mr. S 's 

child. Returned home and spent the day in 
studying and preparing sermons. In the even- 
ing attended the weekly prayer-meeting. 

" Sth. — Spent the most of this day in my 
study in preparing a sermon on Judges v. 23. 
Visited the sick. Spent the evening with my 
family. Received calls from several Christian 
friends, part of whom spent the evening with 
us. Had a very agreeable interview. 

" 9th. — Sabbath.— Preached in the morning 
from Judges v. 23 ; in P. M. from Jer. xxix. 
13 ; in the evening I listened to a sermon from 

Brother D on searching the Scriptures. 

All the exercises of the day were 1 profitable to 
my soul. 

" 10th.— Wrote to Brother W in refer- 
ence to the Siam mission ; to Rev. G. C. 

S in reference to the county temperance 

meeting. Attended the minister's prayer-meet- 
ing. Wrote a short article on temperance for 



168 



EDWARD WEED. 



the c Intelligencer.' Evening attended Union 
meeting. 

" 12th. — Spent the morning in study and 
writing. P. M. visited several families, and 
took tea with the ladies of the Sewing Society. 

On my return found Brother W , of N 

at my house. In the evening preached from 
Heb. xii. 13. A full attendance. Wife was 
quite sick during the night. 

" 13th. — Arose fatigued and unrefreshed 
through the want of sleep. Spent a little time 

with Brother W- — ~. Visited Brother H . 

Attended minister's prayer-meeting at 11 A. 
M. Came home, spent a season in devotion 
and reviewing my sermon. In the P. M. at- 
tended to some business matters. Was unable 
to make much mental exertion. Attended 
Union meeting in the evening, it was a pre- 
cious meeting, the Lord evidently took the 

lead. Brother II preached from John iii. 

14, 15. Subject, the lifting up of the Son of 
Man. A\l the exercises were impressive. 

" 14:th. — Spent the morning in study. At- 
tended minister's prayer-meeting — had a good 
meeting. In the P. M. attended the funeral 
of a colored child. Two women called upon 
me under deep conviction, desiring conversa- 
tion upon the subject of religion. Brother 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



169 



G — ' — preached in the evening. Text Rom. 
vii. 13 ; subject, exceeding sinfulness of sin. 

" 15th. — Spent the day in preparation for 
the Sabbath. In the evening attended the 
Bible class ; it was a very precious season 
This week was one of great labor, attended 
with anxiety, naturally growing out of the re- 
sponsibilities of a minister, when the church 
are putting forth special efforts. It has also 
been a week of deep heart-searching and much 
prayer. 

u 16th. — Preached in the morning, with 
much comfort, from Josh. xxiv. 15, middle 
clause. In the P. M., Heb. x. 29. Union 
meeting at Free Church, Brother H — ■ — 
preached ; subject, the value of true piety over 
everything else. Text Luke x. 20. After ser- 
mon we had a precious prayer-meeting. It 
was a good Sabbath. 

" 17th. — Arose refreshed. Spent the morn- 
ing in reviewing a sermon to preach in the 
evening. The minister's prayer-meeting was 
in my study. It was a precious, profitable 

season. Took dinner with Brother F . In 

the evening preached in the Baptist church 
from Ps. 1 vii. 7, 4 My heart is fixed, O God, 
my heart is fixed ; I will sing and give praise.' 

" 18th. — Suffered much from ennui brought 
on by over labor. Had a precious season at 



170 



EDWARD WEED. 



the prayer-meeting. P. M. called on Sister 

D to express my sympathy with her on 

the death of her sister; made four other pas- 
toral visits. Brother'S— — preached at the 
Union meeting, from Acts xxvi. 28. The 
meeting was a very impressive and solemn 
one. 

"19£A. — Spent the morning in my study. 
The prayer-meeting was at Brother L — — 's, 
and the presence of the Lord was manifestly 
with us. In the P. M. visited three families. 
The evening I spent at home. "Wife and little 
Eddy are quite sick. 

" 20th. — Accomplished but little through 
the day. Completed my sermon on Ps. xxxii. 
5. Made three visits among my parishioners ; 
and in the evening attended meeting at the 
Cross street church, and heard an impressive 

sermon, by Brother G , from Ps. cxlii. 4, 

' No man cares for my soul. 5 

" 21st. — This morning I spent in my study. 
At eleven the minister's prayer-meeting was 
held there. It was a season of great refresh- 
ing. P. M. called on Brother T— — . In the 
evening preached from Neh. ii. 20. Had 
freedom in the exercise. 

" 22d. — Spent the day in my study. In the 

evening called on Brother C and attended 

my Bible class. Some fifty were present. It 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



171 



was a most melting, precious season. Evi- 
dently, the Spirit of the Lord was with us. 
This week has been one of great labor, fatigue, 
and bodily weariness and lassitude. One, too, 
in which the Lord has searched my heart, 
shewn me the weakness of my. faith, the feeble- 
ness of my spiritual life, and how much I need 
strengthening in every Christian grace. May 
the Lord fill my soul with all the fullness of 
Christ. 

" 23d.~ Sabbath. — This morning I awoke re- 
freshed and invigorated. This I consider spe- 
cial grace — my mind in a heavenly, believing 
frame. In the A. M. I preached from Luke 

ii. 49, to a large and attentive congregation. 
The truth took hold. I appointed a meeting 
of inquiry at half-past one. Eight dear pre- 
cious youth were present. I had with them 
a most agreeable season. In the P. M. I 
preached with liberty from John ix. 4. Even- 
ing Brother L preached in First Church, 

to a solemn and attentive audience, from Horn. 

iii. 5. 

" 2ith. — Spent the morning out. In P. M., 
at four o'clock attended a prayer-meeting of 
ministers and officers of the churches. It was 
a precious season. God was in our midst. In 
the evening Brother G preached in Pree 



172 



EDWARD WEED. 



Church, from Hosea xi. 8. Six anxious sin- 
ners presented themselves for prayer. 

u 25th. — Spent most of the day 'in visiting 
among my people. At two P. M. had a good 
season at the prayer-meeting. In the evening 
Brother L preached from Jer. xxiii. 5. 

u 2Qth. — Spent an hour-and-a-half in my 
study in the morning, and the remainder of the 
A. M. in visiting the anxious. In the P. M. at- 
tended minister's prayer-meeting. Spent some 
time in calling on Christians, and took tea 
with the sisters at the Sewing Society. Ex- 
horted them to duty, and prayed with them. 
Left them all bathed in tears. In the evening 

Brother L • preached with power from 

John viii. 24. Four new cases out for prayer. 

a 29th. — Spent most of the day in study. 
In the evening married a couple, and attended 
my Bible class. This week, most of the time, 
I have been greatly burdened for this town. 
My own heart has been greatly searched. I 
see and feel the necessity of the influence of 
the Divine Spirit in the heart as I have never 
before realized it. It is only as we have the 
Holy Ghost in us that we have power over 
self, the world, and Satan. It is only then, 
too, that we have power with God and man. 
The ministry and church will never understand 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



173 



the power of godliness until they understand 
what it is to be baptized with the Holy Ghost. 

" 30th.— Sabbath.— Preached A. M. to a 
large and attentive audience, from Heb. iii. 2. 
At half-past one P. M. had a prayer and in- 
quiry meeting ; fifteen precious youth pre- 
sented themselves as inquirers. The Lord was 
was with us. Preached P. M. from Ps. xxxii, 
5. The Lord helped me. In the evening 
preached at the Second Presbyterian Church, 
from Phil. iii. 7. A full house and solemn at- 
tention. After sermon an interesting prayer- 
meeting. 

" 31st. — Arose refreshed. A. M. wrote sev- 
eral letters. Made eleven visits among my 
people, and in the evening attended a prayer- 
meeting of my own congregation. It was a 
precious searching time. The Lord was with 
us. 

" February 1st. — Spent the'morning in study 
and the afternoon in visiting. Attended the 
prayer-meeting of ministers and official mem- 
bers of the churches. Had a good season. In 

the evening Brother L preached in the 

Baptist Church a solemn, impressive discourse, 
from Prov. xi. 7. Eleven presented them- 
selves for prayer. 

" 4cth. — Spent the morning in study. At- 
tended the prayer-meeting at 11 at Brother 



in 



EDWARD WEED. 



G — — 's. P. M. visited several families. In 
the evening attended the Union meeting. Bro- 
ther G— preached a very appropriate and 
solemn discourse from 1 Cor. xi. 28. This 
evening, after four weeks' continuance, the 
Union protracted meeting was closed. These 
meetings have evidently been crowned with 
God's blessing. The closing meeting was a 
precious melting season. 

"5th. — Wrote a letter this morning to Bro- 
ther P , and finished my preparations for 

the Sabbath. Called on Brother W -, and 

in the evening attended tlie session meeting. 
This week has been one of arduous labor and 
spiritual enjoyment. 

u 6th. — Sabbath. — Preached in the morning 
from Matt. iii. 7. In the P. M. eighteen or 
twenty were present at the inquiry meeting at 
half-past one. The communion season was an 
exceedingly pleasant, solemn, spiritual season. 

Called on sick Mr. B . Married a couple. 

In the evening Brother H preached in the 

Free Church. A large audience. 

u 7th. — Arose this morning much debilita- 
ted. Visited several families. Attended the 
funeral of a child. Spent the P. M. with com- 
pany at home. In the evening conversed with 
two persons under deep conviction. 

" 8th. — Did not feel able to do much, visited 



FAITH AND WORKS. 175 

some among my people, and in the evening 
preached from Acts vii. 51, in the Second 
Presbyterian Church. * 

" 9th.' — Spent the morning in study; the P. 
M. in visiting among my people. Called on 
some of the youth and conversed with them in 
reference to their joining the Bible class. 
Visited the Sewing Society, and in the even- 
ing attended the Bible class. 

" 11th. — Finished my preparation for the 
Sabbath. Visited five families. In the even- 
ing attended a precious prayer-meeting in our 
Lecture room. Some souls were converted. 

" lith. — Saturday, spent most of the day 
in visiting. 

" Sabbath. — Preached A. M. from Luke xiv. 
IS ; P. M. from 1 Cor. x. 31. In the evening 
heard Rev. I. In". Prime preach. This morning 
I arose in better health than usual. Had a 
precious season of communion with God and 
meditating on his word. Received a visit 

from cousin J. W and E -. Went 

with them to the Falls and to the mills. After 
they left visited several families, and in the 
evening went to the inquiry meeting. Eleven 
were present. Had a precious season with 
them. 

u 15th. — -Spent the morning in meditation 
and study. Dined with Brother F— , made 



176 



EDWAED WEED. 



some calls, and returned home to prepare a 
sermon to preach in the evening. Preached 
in the Second Church from Matt, xxiii. 37. A 
good audience out and quite a number of 
inquirers. 

" l§th. — Spent the morning in study and 
part of the P. M. Made several visits. Bap- 
tized the child of S. E . In the evening 

attended the Bible class. This week, in all 
my labor and toil, the Lord has been with me. 
Praised be his name. 

" 20th.— Sabbath.— Preached in the A. M. 
on unbelief, Mark xvi. 16, to a good and atten- 
tive congregation. I n the P. M. from Matt, 
v. 3. In the evening attended the Sabbath 
evening Union meeting at Manchester in Bro- 
ther D 's church. Brother L preached 

an impressive sermon upon glorifying God, 
from 1 Cor. x. 31. 

u 23d. — Spent the morning, as usual, in my 
study. Had a very vivid view of the sinner's 
danger, and the immense difficulties in the 
way of the soul being saved. Wrote several 
letters. Visited several families. Went to 
the Sewing Society and in the evening heard 

Father 0 preach in my church. Wife 

very ill. 

" 2Uh. — Arose invigorated with balmy sleep. 
Found my heart ready to follow after God, his 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



177 



tion of the day in preparing a sermon on the 
perilous condition of the sinner. Attended the 
prayer-meeting at four P. M. A goodly num- 
ber present, but Christians not awake, as they 
should be. In the evening attended meeting 
in my own church, and preached the sermon 
mentioned above. A solemn and attentive 
congregation, and the Spirit evidently accom- 
panied the truth. 

" 25th. — Arose this morning with more than 
usual vigor. Family generally well. Wife 
much better. "What a rich blessing is health ! 
I feel to consecrate myself anew to the work 
of God. 

" 28th. — Have been greatly oppressed all 
the day from ennui occasioned by the fatigue 
of my Sabbath labors. P. M. made some 
visits. Evening attended inquiry meeting. 
Some twenty precious youth present. It was 
a precious meeting, and I think a sealing 
time. 

" March Uh. — Spent most of the day in 
preparing a sermon. Dr. Bradley, of the 
Siam mission, came to spend the Sabbath with 
me. Attended the session meeting in the 
evening. Seven were examined preparatory 
to uniting with the church. They gave very 
good evidence of a saving change. The week 
truth, and righteousness. Spent a large por- 



178 



EDWARD WEED. 



lias been one of weariness, still I have had 
many precious views of truth and my Saviour. 

u 5th.— Sabbath. — -Felt more strength and 
health than I anticipated. My stomach was, 
however, very sore. Brother Bradley preached 
for me in the morning;. I was much inter- 
ested and edified. P. M. I had my Bible 
class, and administered the sacrament of the 
Lord's Supper. Seven united with the church. 

In the evening Dr. B gave an interesting 

account of the Siam mission, and a collection 
of $13 was taken up. 



CHAPTER XV. 

EXTRACT FROM LETTERS UP TO THE TIME OF HIS 
PROTRACTED ILLNESS. 

" Patterson, March 12th, 1848. 
" Dear Brother — Your letter has been duly 
received. It affords me the highest pleasure 
to hear of your success and prosperity. You 
had delayed writing so long, that I began to 
fear that things might be going wrong with 
you. As you pass on in your ministry, 
you will feel more and more the need of God's 
spiritual aid — of that holy unction spoken of 
so often, and with so much enthusiasm, by the 
apostle John. "Without it, our ministrations 
are comparatively powerless. We must not 
be satisfied with simply gaining the esteem 
and good will of our people. We must lift 
our prayers, and concentrate all our energies 
for their conversion and growth in grace. 
'He that winneth souls is wise? It is my 
prayer that God may make your ministry 



180 



EDWARD WEED. 



abundantly fruitful, to the praise and glory of 
his name. The past winter has been to me 
one of excessive labor. As soon as we got 
through our temperance enterprise, w x e com- 
menced a union effort for a revival. We went 
from church to church, and alternated in our 
preaching. We had a ministers' prayer-meet- 
ing every day. Prayer meeting at 7 P. M., 
preaching at 8, and prayer meeting at the 
close. These meetings continued four weeks. 
They were attended with very beneficial ef- 
fects, but not with the power w r e had antici- 
pated. Still, a goodly number were converted, 
and a general seriousness distilled over the 
town. 

" At our last communion seven united with 
the church on profession, and quite a number 
more are indulging hopes. At my inquiry 
meeting, last Monday evening, nineteen were 
present. Our union meetings, on Sabbath 
evening, are kept up with great interest. The 
Lord is evidently with us. 

" As I expected, our license law has all gone 
by the board. We shall not, however, let the 
subject sleep, but are determined to agitate 
the matter more thoroughly than ever. Wife's 
health remains very poor. The children are well. 
Benny grows like a ' weed.' Eddy is healthy 
and full of play and roguery. Little Albert is 



FAITH A2STD W0KKS. 



181 



a quiet, good-tempered, intelligent child, and 
grows very fast. Father is well, improves 
very fast in his studies and theological know- 
ledge, writes sermons, but will not read them 
to me for fear I may laugh at them. When 
he goes to M. I expect he will be willing to 
preach them. My own health is good at pre- 
sent. I feel encouraged in my work. I am 
aware that I know but little about preaching, 
but I live in hope, and efforts to improve. I 
have preached so much this winter that it 
would take a sheet, almost, to give you an 
index of my sermons." 

" May 2d. 

"Dear T — - — : I have been expecting to 
hear from you ere this. I suppose, however, 
that you are now beginning practically to un- 
derstand the burdens of the ministry, and feel 
the weight of responsibility. On this behalf 
1 have one thing to say for your consolation. 
It is, as you grow in strength and influence, 
these responsibilities and burdens will in- 
crease ; and that if you would be abundantly 
useful, you must neither sigh after nor expect 
any resting place on earth. Poor consolation 
this, you say. ISTot so bad as you may think. 
Our aim should be, work ! work ! Our prayer, 
for grace and strength equal to our day. 
16 



182 



EDWARD WEED. 



6 Cast thy burden upon tlie Lord, and he will 
sustain thee.' All unite in love to you, L — ■ 
and the little boys." 

" Paterson, July 2d. 

" Dear Br. T. : — Your letter w r as duly re- 
ceived, and also father's, giving us an account 
of his safe arrival and his pleasant situation. 
Yesterday I laid the matter before my church, 
of my being absent from them some six weeks. 
They voted unanimously to let me go. I have 
made arrangements for supplying my pulpit 
most of .the time — shall before leaving, do so 
for the whole time. We are now expecting to 
leave Wednesday or Thursday of next week. 
Shall spend the first Sabbath in Troy, on Mon- 
day go on to Whitestown, where we expect to 
stay until the latter part of the subsequent 
w r eek, which will bring us to your place Fri- 
day or Saturday of the last w T eek in July. 

" During the last week we have had a most 
destructive fire in our town. On Tuesday 
morning last, about two o'clock, the Oldhorn 
works took fire. In a few minutes that im- 
mense building was all in flames. The wind 
blew towards the Episcopal church, which, 
with Congress Hall, the upper story of S. 
Pope's large brick house, and the engine 
house, were all destroyed, and other buildings 



FAITH AlSiD WOKKS. 



183 



were more or less injured. The loss of pro- 
perty will probably amount to some $100,000. 
But the most afflicting of all is, Mr. E. Smith, 
the owner of the flax mill, perished in the 
flames. lie was in the .Episcopal church, 
helping to remove the organ, when the wall 
fell, prostrating him and enveloping him in 
the flames. Several others barely escaped 
with their lives. Thus you see, ' in the midst 
of life we are in death.' " 

" Pateksox, July 11th. 

" Dear Bko. F : Your letter was received 

yesterday. We were very sorry to hear that 
your health was so precarious. Do not you 
think that your spinal marrow is affected, and 
that it would be well to take a course of treat- 
ment in reference to that ? All jour symp- 
toms, as described in your letters, lead me to 
suppose the seat of your disease is in the spine. 
The ' water treatment,' I think, would be ben- 
eficial. I doubt not a thorough course of hy- 
dropathy would greatly benefit you. There 
is a very good establishment at Orange, in our 
State. Yf e are just on the eve of going west. 
On Thursday next we intend to leave here with 
all our family, and not return until the 1st .of 
September. Expect to visit Oneida, Oswego, 
and Jefferson Counties, In. Y. We have all 



184 



EDWARD WEED, 



been rather under the weather during the 
spring and summer. The children have had 
the measles, which has left their little systems 
in a bad state. I think, however, they are re- 
covering. Wife is very feeble, and my own 
health quite precarious. I have not time to 
give you my own opinion in reference to the 
stirring events of the times, to which you al- 
lude in your letter. I see in them the hand 
of our adorable God, furthering his counsels, 
as declared in his holy word. To my mind 
the great clock of the world has struck, show- 
ing us what time if is in the cycle of God's 
designs towards the human family. As to the 
final results I have no doubt that all will be 
well. I have the fullest and sweetest confi- 
dence in the overruling providence of Heaven. 
'All things are by the decree of the Holy 
Watchers.' My duty is simply to wait upon 
God, and to be ready to come and go at his 
bidding, but not to lay a finger upon his gov- 
ernment. Let his counsels and his plans stand. 
And may the Lord grant that we may all 
sweetly repose ourselves in his hands." 

During Mr. Weed's absence on the journey 
mentioned in the foregoing letters, he received 
a call from a church in A , Ohio. The 



FAITH AND WORKS. 185 

following letter refers to it, and to his return 
to liis people : — 

" Paterson, Sept. 25, 1848. 
Dear Brother : — You are undoubtedly anx- 
ious to hear from me. I was sorry to be 
obliged to hurry along so, without having time 
to communicate to you the results of my visit 
to Ohio. I was cordially received, and during 
my three days' stay, passed through most of 
the congregation. I was pleased with the 
people. The congregation on the Sabbath 
was large and the attention good. The par- 
sonage house is a good one, resembling in its 
construction yours. Connected with it is a 
farm of eighty acres, fifteen cleared and under 
good cultivation. If I will go there they will 
put the house in first rate order, give me the 
use of it and the land, and five hundred dol- 
lars. But leaving this matter, I will give you 
an account of my return home. Our passage 

from M to R was a watery one. But 

we, however, had a good berth, and got 
through well. Our stage companions were 
agreeable, and conversation was kept up with 
profit and spirit. In the morning I hired a 

man to take me to W . Found wife and 

children unusually well. For the sake of her 
seeing her sister, who is expected from Ohio 
16* 



186 



EDWARD WEED. 



soon, I consented to their remaining there a 

few weeks longer ; and taking E ■, I got 

aboard the 11 o'clock train and pursued my 
way to Troy. Bro. B went on to Pater- 
son to preach the next day for me, and I 
remained at Troy oyer the Sabbath and 
preached for him. I am gaining strength and 
flesh. ' My people had anticipated my return, 
with enthusiastic joy. The ladies had cleaned 
the church from top to bottom, and had it 
painted inside and out. A new carpet, new 
chairs, and a new table, and every thing as 
neatly arranged as good taste could devise. 
On the Sabbath I was greeted with an over- 
flowing congregation. I chose for my text, 
Acts xxviii. 15 ; 6 And from thence, when the 
brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as 
far as Appii Forum, and the Three Taverns : 
whom when Paul saw, he thanked God and 
took courage.' T first spoke of the greatness 
of the gospel minister's work ; 2d, of its diffi- 
culties ; 3d, of its encouragements, among 
which I referred to the expressed confidence 
and affection of his Christian brethren, which 
so rejoiced and strengthened the heart of Paul. 
The application you will perceive. Since my 
return, my heart has been all melted down. 
The goodness of God has been so conspicuou^ 
towards me and my people, during my ab- 



FAITH AoSTD WORKS. 



1ST 



sence, I am overpowered with a sense of it. 
Had I been a king or a prince, passing through 
the land, I could not have been better treated, 
and my every want more richly and fully sup- 
plied. Truly he has caused me to ride upon 
his high places, and fed me with the heritage 
of Jacob. 

* Now I am thine, forever thine, 

Nor shall my purpose move, 
Thy hand hath loosed my bonds of pain, 

And bound me with thy love.' 

Though sickness has prevailed in our town, 
and many have been cut down, but a single 
one (a child) in our congregation has fallen. 
The angel of the Lord has encamped about 
our dwellings, and his protecting shield has 
been over them. My brother, praise God in 
my behalf. My visit with friends has been 
very refreshing. I shall write father before 
long. My abounding love to you all. Write 
soon." 

" Paterson, ffov. 6th, 1848. 
" My Dear Father — After so long a time I 
have taken my pen to address you. Such has 
been the constant pressure of my pastoral du- 
ties, I have had no time to do it before. As 
usual, my whole being is occupied with the 



188 



EDWARD WEED. 



work and cares of my station. Since my re- 
turn my health has been very good. I trust, 
with due care, and proper observance of phys- 
ical laws, that my life and health will be 
spared unto me. My family are with me now, 
and are all enjoying good health. We think 
our journey and visiting have done us all great 
good. We have returned to our field of labor 
w T ith better health, and a keener relish for our 
work. We hope the Lord will hear our 
prayer, and build up his cause in our midst. 
At present, religion is at a very low ebb. The 
power of godliness is not felt, although the 
forms of worship are tolerably well attended 
to. My congregations on the Sabbath are 
large and attentive. I have returned a nega- 
tive reply to my call from A . They 

insisted upon my coming this fall, and to have 
left thus suddenly would have been a heavy 
blow to this congregation, and especially so 
soon after my long absence. The trustees and 
elders of the church here, expressed it as their 
opinion, that it would be "the ruin, almost, of 
the church. In addition, the labor and peril 
of removing my family at this inclement season 
of the year, so far, and the excitement of set- 
tling down and forming new acquaintances, 
appeared to me a work greater than my health 
would be equal to. I feel happy in my de- 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



189 



cision, and think the Lord has directed in 
reference to it. I believe, with due care, I 
shall be able to discharge my duty successfully 
to this congregation. I have purchased me a 
horse and wagon; my object is for my own 
and my family's health. I find that exercise 
on horseback is very beneficial. 

" My dear father, I am aware that you have 
arrived to that period of life, in which you are 
called to endure peculiar trials, and you need 
peculiar grace to sustain you. To look toward 
the setting sun is not so joyous as to behold its 
rising splendors. The fading away of the 
light of day affords a melancholy pleasure, 
but its morning approach exhilarates as well 
as pleases. So it is with the morning and 
evening of life. The pleasures of old age are 
of a sad and melancholy cast. The grave and 
eternity stand continually in view. The 
morning and noon of life are past, and the 
shades of night are gathering about ; and, as 
its dark mantle begins to hang over you, the 
conscious certainty, that so far as the scenes 
and enjoyments of earth are concerned, it must 
grow darker and darker, naturally heightens 
the gloom and increases the melancholy. 
Every thing seems to proclaim to the aged, 
' I must decrease.' Under these circumstances 
nothing can buoy up the spirits but beholding 



190 



EDWARD WEED. 



with an eye of faith the tilings that are unseen 
and eternal, and which makes to the son], all the 
promises of God to his saints, 2 yea and amen? 
If the Holy Spirit shed abroad the love of 
God in the heart, it will render the aged man 
cheerful and happy ; and though to his bodily 
senses, all the i sons of pleasure are brought 
low, 5 his heart will triumph in grace, and his 
countenance be radiant with the joys of salva- 
tion. It is my prayer that you may be com- 
forted with the exceeding great and precious 
consolations of the gospel. Will you write 
soon ? All join in love to you." 

u Paterson, Feb. 5th, 1849. 
" My Dear Father : — Your letter was duly 
received, and I regret the necessity of having 
neglected to answer it so long. My excuse is 
the multiplicity of business, and a rather fee- 
ble state of health. My chest troubles me 
some, especially when I apply myself to writ- 
ing or hard study. In other respects I am vig- 
orous. Since my return my labors have been 
very great, and I see nothing ahead but work ! 
work ! work ! I trust, however, I shall exer- 
cise more wisdom hereafter in performing it. 
Things at present are assuming, in my congre- 
gation, a more encouraging aspect. Yester- 
day was a very solemn day with us. The 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



191 



preached word seemed to produce an unusual 
effect, and in the evening we had a very im- 
pressive conference and prayer-meeting. This 
week we are to have a prayer and conference 
meeting every evening. I have visited nearly 
all the brethren of the church, and pledged 
them to attend. We expect the presence of 
the Lord with us. Death has been in our 
midst, and removed several of our members. 
Last week we buried Mrs. S. Miller, and Mrs. 
J. McLaughlin. Br. C — — has been confined 
to his house with a broken leg, the last three 
months. He suffered greatly, but bore it like 
a Christian, and I trust it has been a spiritual 
blessing to him. Wife's health is better than 
usual this winter. The children are remark- 

•ably well. Little A has become a fine 

active boy, runs about, and tries to talk. We 
have had an unusual amount of sleighing; here 
this winter. We were sorry to hear that you 
had been so unwell. You must not, however, 
look on the dark side, but trusting in God, 
submit to the infirmities of age. Be as cheer- 
ful and happy as possible. The people here 
remember you with affection. All the family 
send love." 

"Paterson, Feb. 5th, 1849. 
• " Dear T — > — : I am anxious to hear from 



192 



EDWARD WEED. 



you, and of the work of the Lord in your midst. 
By this time you are becoming familiar both 
with the labors and the consolations of the 
minister of the gospel. You find it a life of 
care, of toil and anxiety ; but, at the same 
time, a work that angels might rejoice to be 
occupied in. I trust you love the work, and 
are every day improving in skill and power to 
perform it. Of course I know how to sympa- 
thize with you, and I am glad you are begin- 
ning to do so with me. I should like to write 
you a long letter, but my weak stomach will 
not allow it. I think I have been improving 
in knowledge and in spirit, since my return. 
I hope I think less and less of self, and more 
of God and his cause. It was hard work to 
get things up here, after I came home from 
my tour last summer. But they are beginning 
to move now, and I hope the work of the Lord 
will prosper." 

" Paterson, July 19, 1849. 

" Dear Bro. P : — Your letter came to 

hand last week. We feel reproved for not 
having written to you long before. Since you 
was here my labors have been very great, and 
my bodily strength feeble. Still, by the grace 
of God, my health is much the same. I cannot 
perceive that my strength diminishes. My 



FAITH AJSTD WORKS. 



193 



church and congregation had got a great ways 
away from the Lord, and it has been hard 
work to bring things up again. They seem 
somewhat revived now. We have for the last 
two weeks been holding continuous evening 
meetings, in which I have usually preached a 
short sermon, and the remainder of the eve- 
ning has been spent in prayer and conference 
by the church. We shall (D. V.) continue 
them through the week. Some have been 
converted, and many of the brethren and sis- 
ters humbled and revived. I rejoice in the 
blessing poured upon you and your people ; I 
hope you may hold on your way, better know- 
ing the Lord, and better understanding how 
to do the work of a gospel minister. What a 
glorious privilege it is that we can advance, 
that we may constantly improve in every direc- 
tion, and that there is no point of excellency, 
short of absolute infinity, which we may not 
hope to attain. I think my own heart has 
made some advance in holiness during the 
last three months ; but my progress is slow. 
' Enlarge my heart that I may run in the way 
of thy commandments !' the Psalmist exclaims. 
Oh, what a great heart it needs to be a holy 
man ! None but God can make our hearts 
large enough for such a work ; to be a par- 
taker of the new covenant in the sense of hav- 



194 



EDWARD WEED. 



ing the stony heart taken away, and the law 
written upon the new heart. It is my desire 
by day and by night, Christ, nothing but 
Christ and his fullness. Pray for me, my 
brother, that I may be set free from all the 
bonds of sin." 



CHAPTER XYL 



SICKNESS RESIGNS HIS CHARGE LEAVES PATER- 
SON LETTERS DURING HIS ILLNESS HOPES AND 

FEARS. 

A few days after the last letter was written, 
Mr. Weed was entirely prostrated by the 
disease that had been for months 'undermining 
his health, and he was obliged, suddenly, to 
suspend all his labors. His sermons that he 
had commenced fur the ensuing Sabbath were 
never finished. After passing along for some 
weeks, between the alternations of hope and 
fear, his strength and the prospect of his ulti- 
mate recovery, all the time decreasing, he 
called together the 'Official members of his 
church, and tendered to them his resignation. 
The extent and magnitude of this trial was 
fully appreciated only by him who was tempt- 
ed in all points like as we are, that he might 
become to us, a merciful and gracious High 
Priest. About the same time he received the 



196 



EDWARD WEED. 



intelligence of the death of his loved and 
.honored father. His letters, in these "Days 
of trial, days of grief," breathe the meekness 
and submission of one whose will was swallow- 
ed up in the divine will. 

"Paterson, March 15th, 1849. 
"Dear Brother : — All your letters respecting 
the sickness and death of our dear father were 
duly received — greatly are we afflicted by our 
loss. Every day something meets our eyes to 
remind us of the departed, and cause our tears 
freely to flow. The hymns that we sing, the 
passages of Scripture that we read, are in so 
many ways associated with father's memory, 
that we often burst into tears while at our 
family devotions. Nature bleeds, but the 
spirit rejoices in the glorious triumphs of grace 
illustrated in his life and in his death. It 
would have been a source of great gratifica- 
tion to me could I have been with him in the 
hour of conflict; I should love to have seen 
his remains too, before they were deposited in 
the earth. These things, however, were de- 
nied me by my Heavenly Father, and I will 
not complain. While receiving the heavy 
tidings through your letters, I was an invalid, 
w T ith strength so prostrated that I could not 
read ten lines without distress. I am still very 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



197 



weak and poor. Have not preached for a 
month, and do not expect to for months to 
come. Dr. M. says I must rusticate six 
months, at least, or make up my mind to go to 
the 'hospital for incurable invalids. 5 I shall 
leave this field of labor the first of May — that 
is all settled. I have tendered my resigna- 
tion, and it has been accepted. What I shall 
do, or where I shall go, lies at present all in 
the dark: I shall be also wholly destitute of 
means. After selling off most of onr goods 
and chattels, I shall be just about even with 
the world. But I can say with the Apostle 
Paul, '^Tone of these things move me, neither 
do I count my life dear unto myself ;' I have 
the consciousness of having done my duty, and 
of having acted unselfishly, and though 
afflicted, I am not depressed in spirits, I was 
never more cheerful and happy — ' Jehovah 
jireth' is my motto. Pray for us. I have not 
yet had strength to prepare a notice of father's 
death ; I Hope to be able to do so this week ; I 
should like to fr&ve a letter soon from you 3 
giving an account of his funeral, &c." 

Paterson, Ajn a il 2nd. 
" Dear Brother: — I have deferred answer- 
ing your last letter solely because I have not 
had strength to do so. For the last four weeks 



198 



EDWAED WEED. 



my position has been near death's door, and I 
am but little, if any better at present ; I am 
feeble as an infant ; it wearies me to put on 
and off my garments ; I do not pretend to do 
anything in an intellectual way ; I cannot read 
five minutes without distress. Notwithstand- 
ing all this, I suffer but little severe pain ; my 
disease appears passive rather than active : 
how it will eventuate my Heavenly Father 
only knows. My mind has been kept cheer- 
ful and happy ; I have had no gloomy or de- 
spondent feelings. My people, and the whole 
community, seem to sympathize deeply with 
me ; I have resigned my charge, and if strong 
enough, shall leave here the first of May. As 
to your coming on here I know not what to 
say ; I should like much to see you, and some- 
times think unless you do come soon, I shall 
never see you again in the flesh. Yet, when 
I think of your engagements and responsibili- 
ties, and the expense the journey will involve, 
I cannot ask you to come. Should you, upon 
the whole, think it best, I should like to have 
you come the last of the month, so that you 
might help me in settling up my affairs, and 
in moving. Unless I improve rapidly, I shall 
not be able to do anything in those matters. 
My friends here advise my going to a water 
cure establishment ; Dr. M— also advises 



FAITH ASTD WOEKS. 



199 



the same ; I shall probably do so if I can raise 
the means. A week from to-day our people 
have a donation party at the church on our 
behalf. Wife's health is pretty good, and she 
nurses me with great care and tenderness. 
The children are all very well." 

All the arrangements were made for 

Mr. Weed to leave P the first of Hay. 

His horse and carriage and household goods 
were sold, and with the avails of them, all 
his arrearages were settled up, so that after 
fourteen years of self-denial and toil, as a 
minister of the gospel, he found himself 
as empty-handed as when he began. But 
now he was sick, .with a helpless little family 
Looking up to him as their protector and pro- 
vider. Still his confidence in Him, who 
hears the young ravens w T hen they cry, for a 
moment faltered not. As preparations were 
being made for the removal of his family, to 
find their home in the " Wide, wide world," 
his wife wishing to know if his faith faltered, 
said to him, " Don't you wish that you had 
given away less, and been more provident for 
the future — how nice it. would, be now if we 
had a little home to go to ?" " iVtf," he an- 
swered, with emphasis, " no, I think I have 



200 



EDWARD WEED. 



done as God would have me do, and now 1 
believe he will make me an example of what 
he would do for his people and his ministers, 
if they would put their trust in him." 

About two hundred dollars was the result of 
the donation visit, mentioned as being anti- 
cipated in his last letter. This was all his 

earthly dependence when he left P , but 

the result proved that, as a child of God, lie 
did not trust his Heavenly Father in vain. 
When the first of May came, his strength was 
so much reduced that he could not walk across 
the room without assistance, and many fears 
were entertained that he could not survive his 
journey. When he reached Jersey City he 
was so exhausted that he was thought by some 
of the friends who accompanied him to be in a 
dying state. But the sea-breeze and a few Ik >urs 
rest revived him, so that he endured the re- 
mainder of his journey, a distance of some three 
hundred miles, better than was anticipated. 
Weak as an infant, he was obliged to be 
carried from one conveyance to another in the 
arms of his attendants. His subsequent letters, 
sometimes by his own hand, and sometimes by 
the hand of another, give an epitome of the 
changes and trials through which he passed, 
and of the triumphs of grace in his case. 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



201 



" Hydropathic Hall, Richland, 
July 3rd, 1849. 

" Dear Brother C- : It is now two months 

since we parted. Undoubtedly you anticipated 
hearing from me before this, and are anxious 
to know my state. My health has been so 
poor, that I have not been able to write my- 
self, and I have required so much attention 
from my friends, that, with their own responsi- 
bilities, they have not had the time to conduct 
my correspondence. The consequence has 
been, I have had but few letters written to my 

friends. My journey from New York to O 

greatly exhausted me, still there w T as vitality 
enough to re-act, and, for a few days, I seemed 
to be on the gain, when my disease assumed a 
new form ; my face and limbs began to bloat, 
and a watery deposit also formed in my lungs, 
which I was obliged to cough off. My whole 
person became exceedingly bloated ; you would 
not have known me. 

" About ten days since, I commenced the 
water treatment. I obtained admittance into 
this establishment, with the unenviable dis- 
tinction out of thirty-five patients, of being the 
most hopeless and feeble of them all. But the 
treatment, which has been very prompt and 
active, has taken hold of me w T ith decidedly 
favorably success. The doctor thinks there is 



202 



EDWARD WEED. 



no doubt of my ultimate recovery, unless some 
untoward event should intervene. At the 
same time it is probable I shall not be able to 
do anything for my own or my family's sup- 
port for twelve months, and my expenses have 
been, and still are, very great. Now, Brother 
C, will you make my case known to my Chris- 
tian friends, with whom I have been associated 
for the last six or seven years, and get them to 
do for me as they think best. It is exceed- 
ingly trying for me to make this proposi- 
tion ; but you are aware that I have always 
labored for a small salary, and in churches 
that were struggling for an existence, and that 
this has required me to practice great self- 
denial, to live sparingly, and give liberally. 
During the last eleven years of my minis- 
try, I can count up eleven hundred dollars, 
that 1 have given away in large sums to 
benevolent objects. Whilst the small sums 
that I have distributed here and there, have 
been numerous. The consequence has been, 
that I have been unable to lay up anything. 

Say to dear Brother W that his kind visit 

on board the boat, and generous gratuity, so 
overcame me at the time, that I was not able 
to express to him my thanks. Say to Doctor 

B that I feel under great obligation to 

him for his kindness, and that his prescriptions 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



203 



were of great value to me. I have suffered 
greatly ; but my Heavenly Father has kept 
my mind in perfect peace ; I have not had one 
complaining feeling against Divine Provi- 
dence, neither have I been depressed. I have 
felt to leave my case wholly in the, hands of 
the Lord, . and to say, 6 Thy will be done.' 
Through His grace, thus far, I have not faint- 
ed under this rebuke, and I trust I shall not. 
As I w^as not able to write myself, I have 
been obliged to employ the hand of another." 

" July 27th, 1849. 

" Dear Brother C : Your long-expected, 

and more than welcome letter, came duly to 
hand. I think it did me more good than any 
other letter I ever received. The hearty and ten- 
der sympathy, and deep interest manifested and 
expressed in it fur me in my present chastened 
and afflicted state, on your own part, and that 
of your dear church, and of the brethren of the 
association, was grateful and exceedingly re- 
freshing to my soul. Though we can live 
without human sympathy — shut up only to 
God, yet, when it does come, and we know 
it is hearty, it is to the spirit like the genial 
showers of summer to the thirsty earth. I feel 
to praise God for this new manifestation of 
love to me. I wish to express to you also my 



204: 



EDWARD WEED. 



thanks for the pecuniary aid you sent me. It 
came to me in a most acceptable time. My 
cruse of oil was nearly exhausted ; what you 
sent me has replenished it. It is four weeks 
to day since I came here, during that time I 
have been greatly benefitted. The bloat has 
nearly left my body, and my countenance is 
assuming its natural color. My strength is 
returning as rapidly as could be expected ; 
and, though still weak, it is my abiding belief 
that I shall be spared to do something more 
for my Redeemer's cause on earth. I was ex- 
ceedingly glad to hear that the presence of the 
Spirit is manifest in your assemblies, and that 
you have been cheered in your labors by ad- 
ditions to your church. My prayer is, that 
the Lord may continue his mercy in this re- 
spect ; and that he may preserve yourself and 
your family, and the members of your sanc- 
tuary, from the pestilence that walketh in 
darkness, and the destruction that wasteth at 
noon day. My own mind is calm and peace- 
ful, stayed upon the Lord. My power to read 
and meditate is beginning to return. It is pre- 
cious to be able once more to study the oracle 
of God. For five months I have not been able 
to read at all, or to fix my attention upon any 
subject continuously. Remember me most 
affectionately to the people of your charge. I 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



205 



have always felt a living interest in them. 
Much love to sister 0 : Adieu." 

" Kichland Hydropathic Hall, 
Sept 5th, 1849. 
" Dear Brother F : Ton have undoubt- 
edly looked for a letter from some of us ere 
this. I have written to my friends as I have had 
strength ; but have not been able as yet to write 
to all whom I know wish to hear from me, 
and who have peculiar claims upon me. Pro- 
bably you hardly expected I should be in the 
land of the living at this time. My state, when 

you parted with me at P , did not indicate 

that I had many days to spend on earth. I 
was very weak then, but became still weaker 

after I reached W , until the dropsy set in, 

and I became very much bloated ; my lips 
and hands were white as chalk, and I was so 
w^eak I could not walk across the floor without 
help. At this juncture I concluded to try the 
Water treatment, and accordingly entered the 
establishment from which I date, nine weeks 
ago ; and 'I hope in two or three w^eeks more 
to be able to leave here and travel By the 
recommendation of my physician, I expect to 
spend some six or eight wrecks in visiting my 
friends, travelling in my own conveyance. 
What is to be our future destination I do not 



206 



EDWARD WEED. 



know; I think a mild climate will be better, 
for me, than a severe one. The question has 
arisen in my mind, whether there may not be 
a destitute congregation in your vicinity, that 
I might supply during the winter. If I am 
prospered, I hope to be able to preach by the 
first of January. I do not intend to apply my- 
self to study during the winter ; I shall avail 
myself of former study, and not preach more 
than two or three times in the week. Preach- 
ing has never seemed to hurt me, like close 
and long continued study. We have thought 
some of taking our little family and going - 
to Ohio. Wherever we go, we expect to travel 
in our own conveyance, and take our children 
with us. You may wish to know how we are 
getting on for funds ; our cruse of oil has not 
yet run out, though it is pretty low. Owing 
to my very severe sickness, our expenses have 
been very great ; I have received some aid 
from my eastern Christian friends, which has. 
enabled me to get along thus far, comfortably. 
What is to be the future in this respect, does 
not yet appear. I have no fear that my Hea- 
venly Father will suffer me to want. During 
the last six months I have been called to suffer 
greatly ; but, during it all, my mind has been 
kept in perfect peace and quiet. I have been 
sweetly resigned to the di vine will. This is of 



FAITH AND WOKIvS. 



207 



the Lord, and I thank Him for it. Much love 
to yourself and family." 

" Richland, Sept 11th, 1849. 
" Dear Brother C : My health conti- 
nues to improve. This morning I felt more 
like my former self than I have since I have 
been sick. I hope in a few months to be able 
to do something for the support of myself and 
family. I hope in some three weeks more I 
shall be able to leave here, with my system 
wholly renovated ; if I do, I shall be almost 
like one raised' from the dead. I feel that my 
afflictions have done, and are doing, me good. 
The world and all its pleasures never appeared 
to me more insipid, and God and. his truths 
more grand and glorious. I long once more 
to preach the glorious gospel. It never ap- 
peared to me more precious." 

u Eichlajstd, Sept. 13th, 1849. 
" My Dear Wife : — I took your letter from 
the office to-day, soon after it came in. I was 
rejoiced to learn that you had a safe anfl pros- 
perous journey, and were so cordially received 
by your friends. I have felt a solicitude to 
hear from you all the week- I was apprehen- 
sive you might have considerable trouble with 
the children, arriving as you did, at so late an 



208 



EDWARD WEED. 



hour in the evening. I was afraid too that you 
or the children might contract violent cold, 
by the exposure. I hope you will do what 
you can to improve your health. Since you 
left, I think I have steadily improved. The 
bloat, so far as I can perceive, has entirely dis- 
appeared from my whole system. My cold 
and cough are almost entirely gone. Were 
my digestion what it should be, I should think 
myself healed, and though my bow^el com- 
plaint continues, I daily gain strength. I 

think I shall meet you at W a week from 

next Saturday, or the following Monday. 
Should anything occur to prevent, I will write 
and let you know. I like your suggestion — ■ 
the same thing suggested itself to my ow r n 
mind. Had w T e a home, I think I could prac- 
tice the water treatment, exercise on horse- 
back, and otherwise, so as to recruit my 
strength, equally as well as here. While I 
have been writing, the doctor brought me in 

a letter from Brother W , containing $20. 

Remember me affectionately to your friends. 
Iuss the dear little boys for me." 

" Richland, Sept. 18th. 
" Last Sabbath eve I was attacked with a 
violent diarrhoea, which has continued until the 
present. I am, however, much better this 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



209 



morning. Still it lias weakened me, and made 
it necessary that I should be very careful of 
my diet, and guard against over exertion ; 
consequently, I shall not meet you as I anti- 
cipated. I think the exertion will be too much 
for me. I think you had better return here 
next Wednesday week, so that we can have 
Thursday to pack our things, and be ready for 
an early start Friday morning." 

" Sept. 23 rd, 
" Your letter I received Saturday eve. I 
was glad to hear from you and the children. 
My heart cleaves to you, as my great earthly 
treasures; enhanced in value by the fact that 
you are immortal, and that we shall have an 
eternal interest in each other. You express 
sorrow that you could not be with me last 
week. I am right glad you were not here. 
Your company, sympathy, and attention would 
have been very precious and grateful to me ; 
but it would have been purchased at great ex- 
pense to you. You would probably have 
over exerted yourself. So I think what has 
been, is best. Last week was one of the most 
severe and trying I have experienced. Yes- 
terday I had a very bad, discouraging day. 
Last night I rested sweetly, and this morn- 
ing I am much better. All my symptoms 



210 



EDWARD WEED. 



are improved. I have just received a letter 
from Brother F — • — ; he thinks I had better 
not think of trying to do anything this fall 
and winter, and gives us a cordial invitation 

to spend the winter with them. Brother P 

has also written, informing me of their safe 

arrival at their beloved home. Brother C • 

and family have escaped the desolating scourge, 
and are now well, at their own home in San- 
dusky city. R. M lies at the point of death. 

He may be dead while I write ; it will be a 
dreadful blow to the family." 

Mexicoville, Oct 3rd, 1849. 

" Dear Brother C : — No language 

can express the grateful feelings I have 
towards you for the interest you have -taken in 
my case, and the exertions you have put forth 
in my behalf during my affliction. It has 
strengthened and refreshed my spirit exceed- 
ingly. I have no doubt, the Great Shepherd of 
the sheep, will abundantly reward you for this 
your kindness to one of his unworthy little 
ones. The aid and sympathy of my dear 
Christian brethren and sisters in the Lord have 
been to me a source of great comfort and conso- 
lation ; it has made me feel that the- Lord has 
given me a memorial in their hearts, that their 
love is not in word and tongue, but in deed 



FAITH AND WOKKS. 



211 



and in truth. I could not have got along with- 
out their aid, and what I have received has 
been nearly equal to my expenses, so that the 
supply and the demand have been almost ex- 
actly balanced. The articles of. clothing you 
sent me are just what I wanted, and are excel- 
lent fits. Since I last wrote you T have passed 
through a good deal of suffering. I have been 
covered with boils and sores. The bloat has 
entirely left me, but it has left me a perfect 
skeleton, literally nothing but skin and bones. 
By careful nursing and great prudence on my 
part, I think I shall recover. I have got now 
where the very active treatment is not needed; 
indeed it is required to be suspended. The 
treatment I am now taking is very simple, and 
can be taken at home as well as anywhere else. 
I have therefore left the Hall, hired some 
apartments in this place, where we can get our 
little family together, and live on less than it 
would cost me individually at the Hall. I 
have confidence that our temporal wants will 
be supplied. The goodness of bur Heavenly 
Father in this respect during my sickness has 
been wonderful — contemplating it often causes 
me to shed te«ars. For the last few weeks I 
have been enabled to use my mental faculties 
more, and consequently have enjoyed the truth 
more. Indeed, ray whole soul has been filled 



212 * 



EDWARD WEED. 



with the most precious and endearing views of 
the Saviour; I have dwelt with great delight 
upon the 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th chapters of 
John's Gospel. 

" October 1 Oth. — I commenced this letter 
a week since, but was obliged to suspend its 
completion on account of weakness. For a day 
or two I despaired of life — all seemed lost — it 
was the regular crisis. Through the goodness 
of God, however, it has terminated on the side 
of health. I feel that the Rubicon is passed, 
and that 1 shall get well. My expectations 
may be too sanguine — a mistake in treatment, 
or a little imprudence in eating or exercise, 
might send me quickly to the grave." 

Mexico ville, JVov. 11th, 1849. 

" Dear Bro. C : — Your last was duly 

received, and should have been answered be- 
fore, but I have to treat you, as I treat all my 
friends, to write to them as I have time and 
strength. You have no idea what an effort it 
is for me to write, even a short letter. It has 
sometimes been ten or twelve days together, 
that I could not make any continued intellec- 
tual effort. Oh, to have the spirit thus re- 
strained and chained by feeble flesh, is slavery 
indeed ! I think I practically understand Rom. 
viii. 18-23. For the last six or seven days i 



FAITH AND WOEKS. 



213 



have been gaining again more rapidly. I hope 
by prudence I may continue to do so. My ex- 
pectations have, however, been so grievously 
disappointed heretofore, that I dare not speak 
with much confidence. These chronic com- 
plaints are inveterate things — may the Lord 
grant that you may never be seized with the 
bony, clammy fingers of any of their nu- 
merous tribe. You are still heaping fresh obli- 
gations upon me May the Lord reward you 
an hundred fold. I think we have commenced 
housekeeping since I last wrote you. Our place 
is narrow and somewhat inconvenient, still we 
are very comfortable, and I trust duly thankful 
that w T e have even a little spot that we can call 
home. After six months scatteration, we can 
appreciate that £ there is no place like home.' 
"We live plain and economically. Our resour- 
ces, for the future, are small. How what we 
shall need is to be raised, we know not, but feel 
sweetly to trust in that good Providence who 
has so bountifully supplied all our wants here- 
tofore. Though shut up and restrained by fee- 
ble flesh, my mind is not altogether inactive. 
I think I am daily increasing in the knowledge 
of the Lord, and I hope also in his grace. 

" November 26th. — Since I wrote you last 
my health has continued to improve, and the 
Prospect now is of a complete recovery. I am 



214 



EDWARD WEED. 



still troubled with my original disease, the pa- 
rent of all my ills, the irritation of the mucous 
membrane of my stomach ; but notwithstand- 
ing this, I am gaining flesh and strength every 
day. The doctor thinks, as my general health 
improves, this will wear away. We are happy 
and comfortable in our little home. Though 
short of funds at present, we can trust our 
Heavenly Father." 

" Mexicoville, Jan. 22d, 1850. 

" Dear Bro. C • : — For some eight or ten 

days I have been endeavoring to summon en- 
ergy to write to you. This morning, as I felt 
better than usual, I had made up my mind to 
do so to-day, when your somewhat unexpected 
epistle, with the enclosed $15, was brought in. 
I have not room, time nor power, to express to 
you the gratitude I feel to you, for your attention 
to, and considerate care of my wants, in these my 
d&ys of protracted illness. The Lord will reward 
you for it. And I wish you to return my hearty 
thanks to those who have ministered of their 
substance to my necessities. I am making 
some progress toward health. But my stomach 
does not heal, and since the dropsy left me I 
have suffered much from mucous inflammation. 
My stomach is sore and my mouth is raw. My 
lungs are sound and appetite good. I suppose 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



215 



my disease is a simple uncomplicated case of 
4 chronic Gastritis.' It is the opinion of phy- 
sicians here, and it is my own opinion, that a 
sea voyage to Florida, the West Indies, or Rio 
Janeiro, would effect in me a complete cure. 
Nothing but the want of funds hinders my tak- 
ing the voyage at once. All things have been 
shaping themselves of late, to favor my going. ' 
Four weeks ago my funds were reduced to 
forty-four cents ; my flour and wood were 
nearly out, and myself lacking several ar- 
ticles of clothing, indispensable to my go- 
ing abroad. Since then I have received $60 
in cash, the garments I needed most, and 
provisions in the line of food, enough to last us 
until the first of April, with the exception of 
meat and milk. Though afflicted, feeble, and 
chained on every hand, my mind is kept in 
perfect peace ; I indulge in no anxiety as to the 
future. Whatever is the allotment of Provi- 
dence, I shall be content. 1 sympathize with 
you in all your labors, trials and success, and 
do not forget you at a throne of grace." 

44 Mexicoville, Jan. 2Zd. 

"Dear Bro. F : — Your letter, with the 

enclosed $15, came duly and safely to hand, 
We were glad to hear from you, and thankful 
for your bounty ; at the same time we feel 



216 



EDWARD WEED, 



pained to be obliged to receive charity from 
our friends, and fearful lest your bounty to us 
might embarrass and distress yourself. I am 
afraid, dear brother, that you have been more 
liberal to us than you can afford. 1 know it is 
said in the scriptures, that ' he that soweth 
bountifully, shall also reap bountifully. 5 I am 
still a poor feeble man ; my prospects for imme- 
diate recovery are exceedingly dull. My origi- 
nal disease, 'Gastritis,' clings to me with the 
pertinacity of a lion to his prey. I think it 
very probable the dropsy may set in again and 
carry me off. The will of my Heavenly. Fa- 
ther be done. I indulge in no anxieties for the 
future. c Sufficient unto the day is the evil 
thereof.' 'Give us this day our daily bread,' 
'Jehovah Jireth.' Though there is a great and 
wonderful change in our circumstances, we are 
happy and contented. We have not suffered 
for want of any of the common comforts of life. 
Though our resources have at all times been 
small, our measure of meal and cruse of oil 
have not failed. We trust the}^ will not. Love 
to you all, and a heart full of gratitude." 

" Mextcoville, Feb. 26tL 
"Dear Cochran: — Your letter came to 
hand Saturday evening. It found me not so 
well as when I wrote to Dr. B . Indeed, I 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



217 



am considerably weaker now than 1 was then. 
The physicians, however, advise me to prose- 
cute my intended journey east ; to take it in 
easy stages, as my strength will admit. Mrs. 

W will accompany me, to nurse and wait 

on me. If the journey should do me good, and 
the change of climate and sea-breeze be favora- 
ble in its effects upon me, she will return in a 
few- weeks ; if not, I shall return with her. Will 
you take pains to find us a room in some good 
boarding-house, on the first floor, where we can 
have a bed and fire; it injures me very much 
to go up and down stairs. I wish its location 
may be near the public stages. It is our inten- 
tion to start on Thursday, the 28th inst., expect- 
ing to reach New York to-morrow week. Will 
you oblige- us by meeting us at the landing 
w T ith a suitable carriage, to. conduct us to our 
lodgings. If we do not meet you there we 
shall venture to go directly to your house." 



CHAPTEK XVII. 



LEAVES MEXICOVILLE GOES TO OT3W YORK 

HEALTH IMPROVES SAILS FOR LIVERPOOL. 

Mr. Weed, whose strength had again com- 
menced failing very rapidly, left Mexicoville, 
as anticipated, intending to go to 'New York 
for the benefit of the sea air, and medical ad- 
vice. He had been so well at one tiriie, during 
his stay in M., that he preached several times 
for his brother, though the exertion was no 
doubt a great detriment to his health. When 
he was ready to start on his journey he could 
not walk across the room without fainting, and 
was carried out of his house in a chair, and in 
that helpless state was lifted into the stage, 
the last of February, and when J;he roads 
were verv unsettled Some of his friends 
felt, that in all probability, he was leaving 
his home to die on the way. But as he be- 
lieved, directed by Providence, he had decided 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



219 



upon the best course to pursue, with the sub- 
mission and trust of a child, he left the result 
with his Heavenly Father. He was much ex- 
hausted by his journey, and for some days there 
seemed to be but a step between him and death. 
A council of physicians was called, who ex- 
pressed only a faint ray of hope, which was 
based almost entirely on his own hopefulness 
of his case. But his hour had not yet come — ■ 
the medicine and sea-air acted like a charm, 
and once more his friends were elated with the 
hope of his ultimate restoration to health and 
usefulness. It was decided, that all things 
considered, his continued residence in New 
York was desirable. Apartments were accord- 
ingly obtained there, and his family removed 
thither the first of May. The last of May, he 
penned the following letter to his brother: — 

"New York, May 30*A, 1850. 
" My Dear Brother: — I have delayed writ- 
ing to you, a long time, simply because I have 
lacked the energy to address myself to the ef- 
fort. My disease has produced such a general 
feeling of lassitude, and such inability to en- 
gage in any protracted mental effort,* that it 
really seems to me a herculean task to write a 
short friendly letter. My health has gradually 
improved ever since I came to the city. The 



220 



EDWARD WEED. 



homeopathic remedies have acted with greater 
power than the water practice, and with almost 
infinitely less labor and suffering. My symp- 
toms are altogether better than they have been, 
at any previous period of my sickness. I can 
ride all over the city, and walk half a mile 
without injury. We have now got settled, have 
a comfortable residence, and feel happy in our 
situation. The Lord is still dealing with us 
with a kind and bountiful hand ; thus far all 
our wants have been supplied, and we have no 
reason to fear that they will not continue to be. 
I find it exceedingly trying to be laid aside so 
long, to be nothing but a dead dog, when such 
Stirling events are constantly transpiring around 
me, and when the harvest is so ripe and so 
abundant, and the call for laborers so urgent. 
To be thus laid aside, is the most trying part 
of my affliction." 

Some time in June he visited Paterson, 
and on the Sabbath, for an hour, addressed 
his former congregation, subsequently spend- 
ing a day or two in calling on friends there. 
But it was an effort beyond his strength, 
and for a week or more after his return home 
he lay entirely prostrated by it. He, however, 
soon rallied, and commenced sea-bathing, which 
proved very beneficial. 



FAITH AND WOEKS. 



221 



The following letter was addressed to his 
eldest son, who had been put in care of his ma- 
ternal aunt, and to whom the subjoined letter 
was sent at the same time :— 

" New York, June 27th, 1850. 
" My deae child Benny : — Your father was 
very sorry that he did not have the opportu- 
nity of seeing you before you went to Ohio. 
You remember he was very sick when he left 
Mexicoville. He grew worse and worse until 
he reached New York. When he arrived there 
he was almost dead. All the doctors shook 
their heads, and doubted whether he would 
ever recover. They, h owever, commenced giv- 
ing him medicine, which at once had a good 
effect. He began to get better, and has been 
improving ever since. His health is much bet- 
ter now than it has been since he was first taken 
sick. All the doctors and friends now think he 
w T ill get well. He is strong enough to ride all 
over the city in the public stages, and to walk 
a mile or more at a time. His sleep is regular 
and refreshing, his appetite good, and his coun- 
tenance and whole appearance changed for the 
better. He hopes, through the good providence 
of God, to be a well man again. In the mean 
time, he feels very anxious for you. He wants 
you to be a good boy, and to grow up and be a 



222 



EDWARD WEED. 



good, intelligent and useful man. He often 
thinks of you on his bed, and prays God that 
he will keep you in all your ways, and that he 
will send his Holy Spirit, and savingly impress 
his blessed truth upon your heart. I have said 
I wanted you to be a good hoy. I will tell you 
of some of the things I wish you to do. 

" 1st, I wish you to cultivate the habit of 
praying to God, and of trying to please him in 
all that you do. 

"2d, 1 wish you to cultivate the habit of strict 
obedience to those who have the care of you. 

" 3d, I wish you to be very careful to culti- 
vate the habit of pure conversation — never to 
speak filthy words, silly words, lies, nor swear. 
Don't use your tongue, my dear boy, for any 
evil. 

"4th, I wish you to cultivate the habit of 
kindness and gentleness in your intercourse 
with, and treatment of others. 

" 5th, I wish you to be an industrious boy- 
ready to work, ready to study and ready to 
play. 

" 6th, I wish you to be a neat tidy boy — to 
take a great deal of pains to keep } T ourself, your 
clothes, your books, and every thing you have, 
neat and in good order. 

" 7th, I wish you to be a polite boy, or a boy 
of good manners. This implies propriety of 



FAITH AXD WORKS. 



223 



conduct, good habits of eating, sitting, walking, 
conversing, and attention to the rights and 
happiness of others. 

"8th, Finally, I wish you to try in all the 
things I have mentioned, to improve yourself, 
and to pray the Lord to help you to do so. If 
you daily endeavor to be good, in the seven 
respects I have mentioned, you cannot but be 
a good boy, and you will become better, hap- 
pier and more lovely, every day. Will you 
get your aunt to read these seven things, 
over and over to you, until you get them all 
fixed in your mind, and then try, with all your 
might, to be what your father desires you to 
be, in these respects. 

" My dear boy, may God bless you. Your 
mother is very well, and sends a great deal of 
love to you. Josephine, Eddy and Albert are 
well, and right by my side, playing merrily. 
They all say, send love to Benny. They often 
talk about you and wish you were here. We 
have a cool pretty house to live in, with a nice 
flower garden in front, The great city, with 
its perpetual noise, is all around ; still we are 
very happy and contented. It may be that I 
shall go to Mount Vernon in the fall. As soon 
as I get well I shall have you come home. 
You must get your aunt S- — — to write a letter 



224 



EDWARD WEED. 



for you. You can tell her what you want her 
to say. Farewell, my boy." 

The following letter to his aunt, accompa- 
nied the above : — 

" Dear Sister S :— We expected to 

have heard from you before this. Of course, 
we are anxious to know how it fares with our 
dear child. At the same time, you may rest 
assured that we have the fullest confidence 
that you will do all in your power for his wel- 
fare. I thought my writing to him would be 
a stimulus to lead him on in the right way, 
and thus be an assistance to you. As to my 
health, and our circumstances generally, you 
will learn the particulars in what I have writ- 
ten to Benny. We are very comfortably situ- 
ated. We feel that the Lord has ordered all 
things graciously, in reference to us. We en- 
deavor to rest under the shadow of his wings. 
Is it decided that you remove to the west? 
What time will you go ? I should like to visit 
Mount Vernon next fall, if my health and 

means will permit. I presume Bro. S -has 

received my letter before this. Remember me 

to him and to E ; also, to all the friends. 

Will you write soon ? Wife joins me, in love 
to yourself and husband." 



FAITH AKD WOKKS. 



225 



About the first of July, Mr. Weed received 
an invitation from Captain Knight, the com- 
mander of the New World, sailing between 
New York and Liverpool, to go in his ship to 
Liverpool on its next voyage out. After hav- 
ing advised with his physicians, who gave their 
hearty consent, he accepted the invitation, 
and accordingly sailed from New York in the 
packet ship above named. He went out alone, 
with no kind attendant to anticipate his wants, 
and meet the exigences attending his debility 
as an invalid. He was dependent upon his 
friends for a scanty outfit, and necessarily left 
his family unprovided for, at home. A great 
sacrifice of feeling was made, (compelled by 
the needs be of poverty,) in that parting hour, 
and through months of painful anxious sepa- 
ration. Great faith was needed _to meet 
these trying scenes with cheerfulness, and un- 
shaken confidence in the hand of Infinite 
wisdom and love, that dispensed them. But 
strong hopes were entertained that he would 
return well, and be able again to assume his 
wonted labors. 

" Ship New World, Capt. Entght, ) 
Thursday , July 18th, 1850. ) 
" My Dear Bro. Thomas : — I sincerely re- 
gret that I did not get a letter from you before 



226 



EDWARD WEED, 



setting out on tins tour. I have undertaken 
the present voyage by the advice of my phy- 
sicians, Drs. Ball, Vanderburg, and Ward. 
Their views fully harmonized upon the sub- 
ject. We have been out nine days, have just 
entered on the tenth, have had line weather, 
and average about six miles an hour. We 
have been for the last two days sailing in the 
fog and over the banks of Newfoundland. 
Our ship moves through the water with great 
quietness. I have no more difficulty in writ- 
ing here than I should have on shore. For 
the first four or five days all the passengers 
were sick. I was somewhat affected, but not 
near so much so as most. It is the opinion of 
all my ship-mates that I have greatly im- 
proved since I came on board. I think my 
voyage will have the desired effect; I am bet- 
ter now, and stronger, than I have been at any 
previous time since I was taken sick. I begin 
to look like my former self, and I think my 
chronic difficulty, my original complaint, is 
giving way. 

" I am still the child of Providence — I go 
forth not knowing whither I go, how long I 
shall stay, or what shall befall me. My motto 
is still, 'Jehovah Jirethf joined with the 
prayer, ' Give me this day my daily bread.' 
And I feel that there is a Divine Providence, 



FAITH AWD WORKS. 



227 



presiding over and directing my every step. I 
should like to sit down by your side, and tell 
you of the Lord's wonderful dealings with me 
since you helped to put me on board the stage 
at Mexico. It has been to me a perfect mar- 
vel. I think it would be to you. How often 
do I think of the first verse of the old hymn 
we so frequently sing in. our social meetings : 

4 When I can read my title clear 

To mansions in the skies, 
I'll bid farewell to every fear 
And wipe my weeping eyes. 

What has a man to fear, or cry about, when he 
has this title clear?. I may stay in England 
one, three months, or a year ; all remains to 
be developed by events yet to occur. This is 
my first mental effort since coming on board. 

"Friday, 12th. — All aboard are well, the 
weather fine, and we are progressing on our 
regular route at the rate of about seven knots 
per hour. My health is about the same as 
yesterday. Thus far all is harmony and con- 
cord. We do not appear to have a cross, ugly 
spirit aboard. Love and kindness seems to 
pervade the whole company. We have also 
an excellent crew ; every thing goes like clock- 
work. Thus far our voyage has been a de- 
lightful one. Our leisure time is filled up 



228 



EDWARD WEED. 



witli reading, exercise, conversation, lectures, 
mingled with appropriate religious exercises. 

"Friday, JulyWth. — Dear Brother, a week 
has elapsed since I laid down my pen in writ- 
ing to you. We are still upon the ocean * 
waves, making good progress towards our de- 
sired haven. Thus far all has been prosper- 
ous, except that scourge of all ocean travel- 
lers, sea-sickness, visited us again as we got 
off the banks of Newfoundland, and the 
breeze strengthened. Since last Saturday we 
have averaged nine knots per hour, sometimes 
going thirteen. We have had all sorts of 
weather, except the violent storm — rainy, show- 
ery, fair, warm, and cold. All is pleasant and 
agreeable on board. We have an exceedingly 
refined, intelligent, and noble-minded set of 
passengers. Of them I will say. more at an- 
other time. We expect to see Cape Clear to- 
morrow. We are now about two hundred 
miles from there — shall probably land at Liv- 
erpool Monday, making our voyage "one of 
twenty days. My health still improves. 

" Monday, July 29th. — Dear Brother : — 
Three days have intervened since I bade you 
good morning. Two of these days we had a 
splendid sail, averaging ten knots per hour. 
Saturday morning, early, we came in sight of 
Cape Clear, the south-west point of Ireland, 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



229 



and entered what is called St. George's Chan- 
nel. All day, with a fair wind, we sailed 
along the Irish coast, say within five miles of 
it. It was a grand and pleasant view. The 
so called mountains of Ireland, are what we 
should call hills, and are cultivated to their 
summits. We could see the meadows, grain 
fields, villages, country seats, castles and tow- 
ers. At night the ship tacked and stood for 
the Welch coast. Yesterday morning we were 
in full view of the Welch mountains, but be- 
calmed. During the whole day, our nob'e 
ship made but four or five miles headway. 
Some of our passengers were impatient, but 
most of them received the dispensation with 
quiet calmness. It w T as a splendid day, and 
we were continually surrounded with unde- 
finable and indescribable beauty and gran- 
deur. I am never tired of looking at the sea. 
The varied, pleasing, and intense emotions en- 
kindled by the view, cannot be expressed. 
The proper conception of it can be obtained 
only by the sight. This morning we found 
ourselves off Holy-Head, on the island of An- 
glesey, Wales — the coast of Wales fully, and I 
might say gloriously in view. The weather 
is fine, but the breezes light, and we are mak- 
ing very little progress. Are now about fifty 
or sixty miles from Liverpool. We do not ex- 



230 



EDWARD WEED. 



pect to arrive there until to-morrow. All is 
still prosperous and pleasant on board the ship. 
I am treated with the greatest kindness and 
respect. Unbeknown to me, a purse of ten 
pound was made up for my aid, by the Cap- 
tain and four others. The goodness and mercy 
of God attends me. His love fills me, and his 
light guides me. I go forth literally a child 
of Providence, not knowing whither I go. I 
have, however, no fear. My hope, my trust, 
is in God alone. I shall endeavor not to take 
a single step, without his clear light shining 
on my path. I shall write to you as I have 
time and opportunity. I shall expect to re- 
ceive frequent communications from you. 
Much love to the friends ; I feel a tender inte- 
rest in them all, and a load of obligation for 
their kindness to me. The Lord reward them. 
My health continues to improve. 

" July 30th. — ¥e are safely moored in the 
Liverpool harbor. We have had a delightful 
passage. My health is greatly improved." 

" Ship, July '20th, 1850. 
" My Dear Wife : — It is with peculiar emo- 
tions that I sit down to write to you. The 
manner in which you interested and exerted 
yourself to enable me to go this voyage, greatly 
endeared you to me. I felt that there was a 



FAITH AtfD WOBIS. 



231 



sacrifice and giving up your own comfort, for 
my sake, that called upon me for the hearti- 
est acknowledgment and the liveliest grati- 
tude. You may be assured that my heart 
and eyes, turn not only with deep, but also 
with the sweetest interest, toward iSTo. 7 E. 
llth-street, New York. To me it is a sacred 
spot. You are undoubtedly anxious to know 
the effect of the voyage upon my health. My- 
self, and all my fellow-passengers, are of the 
opinion that I have been greatly benefitted. 
My circulation is much better, my strength 
considerably increased, and the mucous irrita- 
tion not nearly so great as when I left home. 
Thus far our voyage has been a very pleasant 
one. I have been treated with great kindness 
by my fellow-passengers. The Lord raises up 
friends for me wherever I go. 

u 25t7i. — Five days have intervened since I 
commenced this to you. We are still upon 
the great waters, and making good progress 
towards our destined port. Saturday eve- 
ning, the sea grew rough, and many of 
our passengers had a return of sea-sickness, 
and were confined to their berths all day 
Sabbath. Of course, we had no religious 
services. I have stood the voyage well, have 
lost but two meals since I came aboard, gained 
strength daily, and have been able to take 



232 



EDWARD WEED. 



care of myself without any extra help. Mr. 
Beecher has been sea-sick nearly all the way, 
and confined mostly to his berth. Still, he 
and all of us, think it is doing him good. 

"July 30th. — It is with emotions of joy and 
gratitude to God, that I announce our safe ar- 
rival in Liverpool harbor. Mercy and good- 
ness has thus far attended me. I hope to be 
prudent in the use of my strength. I have 

formed a high opinion of Mr. and Mrs. S ; 

they know the truth as it is in Jesus. They 
will return with the ship, and will call and see 
you. Judge W and wife have been par- 
ticularly kind to me." 



CHAPTEK XVIII. 



LETTERS FROM ENGLAND. JOURNAL. 

' Liverpool, Av.g. 3d. 
" My Dear Wife : — I wrote you very fully 
by the ' Niagara,' but was greatly disappointed 
on my arrival here not to find any communi- 
cation from you. I hope you will not be re- 
miss in writing to me. Remember, that I am 
sick and alone in a foreign country, and that I 
shall be anxious to hear from you at every ar- 
rival. Tuesday and Wednesday I overdid, 
which made me very feeble. What will be 
the final result I cannot tell. Much will de- 
pend upon my prudence. I have comfortable 
lodgings and wholesome food, in a Welsh fam- 
ily. The house is but a few rods from the 
great Liverpool docks. I shall go to Wales 
(D. V.) next w T eek* 



234 



EDWARD WEED. 



" Liverpool, Aug. 9t/i. 
u You see, I am still in this city. I expect 
to leave this P. M. at five for Chester, where 
I shall stay a few days, and then proceed on to 
Wales. I received your letter per the ' Atlan- 
tic. 5 I cannot tell you how much good it did 
me. I wept like a child ; and when you told 
of the children's sickness, and their asking ' why 
does not father come back V streams flowed 
down my cheeks — which, as I write about it, 
start again. I cannot tell you how my heart 
yearns over you and my little ones. I trust a 
brighter day will soon dawn upon us. This is 
the third letter I have written you since land- 
ing. The 6 Europa' sails to-morrow, and T 
could not let the opportunity pass without say- 
ing a word to you. When I last wrote I was 
quite unwell. I am now much better than T 
have been since I was taken sick. I trust, by 
the blessing of God and due care on my part, 
my health will be restored. I send by this 
steamer two papers for the little boys. Tell 
them all you can about me, that I remember 
and pray for them daily, and hope before a 
great w T hile to 6 come back' and see them. Do 
not be anxious about means— the Lord will 
provide." 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



235 



" Chester, Aug. 12th. 

"My Dear Brother P : — From the 

heading of my letter you will perceive that I 
am in old England. The Providence that has 
brought me here has, indeed, been peculiar, 
yet I see clearly in it all the hand of my 
Heavenly Father. I doubt not he has both 
directed and guided my footsteps hither. My 
health has greatly improved since I left 
home, and is still advancing. I am, at present, 
very pleasantly situated in a lovely Christian 
family, they are as kind and attentive as 
though they were my own kindred. The town 
is not only a very ancient one, abounding with 
ancient antiquities, but is also most delight- 
fully situated. I shall probably remain here 
some weeks. The climate is good, and I have 
the prospect that my health will be restored. 
I trust I shall be able again to resume my la- 
bors as a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. 
My afflictions have been protracted and severe, 
yet I feel that God has ordered them all in 
mercy. I needed the burning ordeal, and I 
pray that it may accomplish that, in and for 
me, for which heaven has sent it upon me. 
You may think I am having a very easy and 
pteasant time of it. I am happy, my mind is 
peaceful, but it arises from spiritual conso- 
lation, and not from worldly enjoyments. I 



236 



EDWARD WEED. 



am too feeble to enjoy sight-seeing, or for tour- 
ing about to see the wonders of this great and 
ancient kingdom. Still, I begin to enjoy my- 
self somewhat in this way. The city I am 
now in is situated on the banks of the river 
Dee, and is one of the oldest boroughs of Eng- 
land. It was a place of some importance un- 
der the Romans before the Christian Era. It 
has a wall surrounding the whole city, sur- 
mounted by old towers, and affording a very 
beautiful promenade. It is about fifteen miles 
south of Liverpool, and contains about 30,000 
population. Will you and J — — ■ write to me ? 
It would cheer me much to get a letter from 
you in this land of strangers. Love to all the 
dear friends." 

" Chester, Aug. 15th. 

"My Dear Wife: — Yesterday I received 
your second letter, it was to me like water in a 
thirsty land. While reading streams ran down 
my cheeks. I cannot express how much my 
heart turns to you and the dear children. I 
have but one consolation, that is, committing 
you to the care of Him who has told us to cast 
all our care on Ilim, for he careth for us. 

" Dear little A , how I should love *to 

hold him in my arms and press him to my 
bosom ! I somehow have a confidence that 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



237 



the Lord will spare him to us. I am glad you 
are led to lean upon the promises of the Lord. 
They are our inheritance and support, and he 
who has made them is the faithful God, and 
lives to make them good. You will perceive 
by the heading of my letter that I have left 

L for C . This town is one of the 

most ancient in England, and is the shire town 
of Cheshire county, situated on the river Dee. 
The view is enchanting, the air fresh and in- 
vigorating. This, too, was the scene of the 
labors of the excellent and pious Matthew 
Henry, the commentator; and here his hon- 
ored dust reposes. 

" Here also now Rev. R. Knill, formerly 
missionary to St. Petersburg, and author of 
several Christian tracts, has a chapel. I have 
made his acquaintance and that of his truly 
Christian family. They have been deeply 
afflicted, and know how to succor their breth- 
ren in distress. Providence has directed me 
to excellent lodgings, with a kind, pious Welsh 
family. I am treated with as much care and 
kindness as though I was one of the family. 
Indeed I never had my every want more plea- 
santly anticipated. Mrs. T— — , who is a de- 
voted Christian, does what she does for me for 
Christ's sake, because she esteems me a ser- 
vant of his. I shall probably remain here a 



238 



EDWARD WEED. 



week or ten days longer. For the last twenty- 
four hours I have been very feeble, and doubts 
arise in my mind about my ever getting well, 
though I have increased in health and strength 
since I left home." 

u Liverpool, Aug. 22d. 
" I came to this city yesterday P. M. to see 

Captain K , and Eev. Mr. and Mrs. S 

before they sail. To-morrow the ' New World' 
sails for New York. I make my abode still 
with the same family in Chester. They are 
such a delightful household I shall regret leav- 
ing them. My health is improving, I have 
gained flesh, and my color is good ; my stom- 
ach and bowel difficulty do not leave me. 
What is before me, life or death, health or 
sickness, I know not. But my chief desire, 
and my most earnest prayer is, that the will of 
God be done. At present I am paying very 
strict attention to my diet and all my habits ; 
and my heart is greatly drawn out in prayer, 
that God will glorify himself in me. I have 
never felt before, so much as I hav^e of late, 
that I could not pray for anything definite in 
the way of temporal blessings. I feel that I 
do not know what is best for me. My only 
prayer is, Lord, direct, thou knowest what is 
best. I expect this morning to go to Man- 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



239 



chester, where I shall probably abide until 
Monday, and then return to Chester, and from 
there go to North Wales, where I intend to re- 
main some weeks in the country. I wrote last 
week to Brother F — — . He has closed his 
labors in London, where he has been greatly 
successful. If I return home this fall I shall 
probably leave here about the 11th of October. 
Should my health improve, so that I can en- 
gage in labor, I shall remain and try to earn 
something before I return. I feel a great re- 
luctance to return sick and be still a burden to 
my friends. My heart still turns towards our 
little abode. What a comfort it would be to 
see you and the dear children ! May God, in 
his infinite mercy, comfort and console you." 

" Parkgate, Aug. 30th. 
" I am still in Cheshire county. This place 
is about twelve miles below Chester, on the 
river Dee, and is a delightful country village, 
most enchantingly situated. It spreads itself 
along in a direct line on the Dee, which is 
here between two and three miles wide. A 
solid w r all, built of hard red sandstone, extends 
some four miles along the bank of the river, 
which affords a most admirable promenade. 
On the opposite side of the river is the princi- 
pality of Wales, presenting a most picturesque 



240 



EDWARD WEED. 



and pleasing scene. And what adds greatly 
to the loveliness of the whole is, it is now in 
the height of their harvest. This place is dis- 
tinguished for its healthfulness, fine sea-breezes, 
and facilities for sea-bathing. I came here 
last Wednesday, and expect to remain until 
Monday. When {Deo volenti) I shall cross 
over into Wales, visit Conway, and a celebra- 
ted watering-place near. At present I am 
aiming atone single point, the restoration of 
my health. A great improvement has taken 
place during the last ten days. My color is 
almost as fresh and healthful as it ever was, 
my strength considerably increased, and were 
I free from the irritation of the mucous mem- 
brane of my mouth and stomach, I should feel 
there was but a few steps to perfect health. 
But it still hangs about me, casting a damp on 
all my hopes. Still I can cast all my cares 
upon the Lord, knowing that he cares for me. 
' Give me this day my daily bread/ is still my 
prayer. My mind turns continually to you 
and the dear children. Day and night you 
are ever present with me. Two steamers have 
come without my receiving any letter. Before 
this you have received my first two letters, and 
you will now hear regularly once in two weeks, 
sometimes weekly. Our Heavenly Father will 
provide. Tell Brother and Sister 0 I in- 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



241 



tend writing them soon. I have not yet seen 

Brother F , and have received but one 

communication from him. Shall probably visit 
the South of England the latter part of the 
month. 

u This is the day for Professor W 's ex- 
ecution. As I awoke this morning, I thought 
of him and his dear family. O how my heart 
pities them! My earnest prayer has gone, and 
is going up for them all. Ah ! my dear, this 
is trial, this affliction. Were I in his place, 

and you in Mrs. W 's place, how much 

more insupportable the burden than our pre- 
sent affliction ! May God have mercy upon 
them. Tell the little boys, father remembers 
thfm and loves them, and hopes, through the 
goodness of God, to come back to them a well 

man. Also, dear J , I hope she will be a 

good girl/' 

" Chester, Sept. 13th. 
" Night before last I was made glad by the 
reception of three letters from you, one from 

Brother T , and one from Brother W~ . 

The whole was almost too great and too rich a 
feast for one in my delicate state to endure. I 
was very sorry to hear of your poor health. I 
would advise you not to attempt to do heavy, 
fatiguing work, such as washing, ironing, &c. 



242 



EDWARD WEED. 



Hire these done. Don't fear the speech of 
people. Look to your Heavenly Father. He 
knows that you need rest, and is willing that 
you should have it, and will see to it that your 
wants are supplied without your sacrificing 
your life. You need not fear but that we shall 
be sustained. And right here let me say, be 
willing, on your part, to receive. I know it is 
more blessed to give than to receive ; but 
sometimes it is made clearly our duty to take 
the less blessed condition, and become mere 
recipients. 

" Since I last wrote you I have been very 
sick, as much so as at any time since I was 
taken down. I had a most violent attack of 
acute gastritis. The pain was excessively se- 
vere, and for three or four days it seemed to 
be nearly all over with me. I gave you all 
up, nor friends, nor kindred, nor country ex- 
pected I ever to see more. Nature bled at 
every pore, but God, who hath delivered me 
in all my troubles, appeared for my help in 
this. He has raised me from that bed of pain 
and anguish, and made my soul to overflow 
with joy and blessing. The air at Parkgate 
proved too bracing for me, and irritated my 
stomach, rather than helped it. I returned to 

C to Mr. T 's. He and his wife have 

been all to me that the tenderest father and 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



243 



mother could be, and their sons as attentive 
and loving as brothers. Every want was anti- 
cipated and supplied. I have in attendance 
Dr. Norton, a homoeopathic physician, in 
wdiom I have the utmost confidence. His 
treatment, thus far, has been very successful, 
and my prospects of a final recovery are better 
than ever. Though I am delicate as a child, 
my symptoms are all better. The Lord is 
raising me up helpers on every side. All that 
I can do is to stand still, love, and adore. 
The Lord fills me with the joys of his salva- 
tion. Be not anxious about me. Rest, my 
dear, and trust the Lord. Kiss the dear boys 
for me, My heart cleaves to you all." 

" Chester, Sept. 21st. 
" I have taken a very small piece of paper, 
simply to say, that, since I wrote last week, 
my health has rapidly improved-. In every 
respect, I am happy and comfortable. And 
though separated from my family, whom I 
love as my own life, a stranger in the midst of 
strangers, and a foreign land, still I am very 
happy. . ' Not a wave of trouble rolls across 
my breast.' I can sweetly leave all with 
God. I am doing well under my present 
treatment, and hope to return to you a well 
man. I wrote to y*ou last week at length ; 



244 



EDWARD WEED. 



shall (Deo volente) do so again next week. I 

expect Brother F and wife here next week 

to see me. This is the day of our trial, let us 
abide it, kissing the hand that smites. I doubt 
not that God will watch over you for good. 
Say to the dear children, father remembers 
them and loves them." 

" Chester, Sept 26th. 
"Your letter of the 28th ultimo came to 
hand last week. It did me much good. While 
it distressed me, it also greatly comforted me. 
I was distressed at the account you gave of 
your health, and comforted that you was suc- 
cessfully seeking the Lord, and that he was 
leading you in the right way. I was greatly 
interested in your account of the ' Memoirs of 
the Mrs. Judsons,' and highly delighted with 
the poetry you sent me. The life of faith, as 
illustrated in the career of such persons, is 
pre-eminently adapted to stimulate us onward 
in the path of holiness. For the last few days 
I have been poorly. Have had another attack 
of acute gastritis, am confined to the house, 
but the inflammation is subsiding, and my 
vitality reviving. In reference to my recover- 
ing my health, I am constantly alternating 
between hope and fear. Still I can say, 
Blessed Lord, thy will he done. To us these 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



245 



are days of severe temporal trial, and it be- 
comes us to humble ourselves under the mighty 
hand of God, and to earnestly seek that his 
Chastening may accomplish for our souls what 
his love and mercy intends it shall. Let us 
not faint under his rebuke, but encourage our- 
selves in his promises, and say, with Job, 
c Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him. 5 
The following beautiful hymn has greatly 
comforted me : 

" 1 Be still, my heart, these anxious cares 
To thee are burdens, thorns, and snares ; 
They cast dishonor on thy Lord, 
And contradict his gracious word. 

Brought safely by his hand thus far. 
Why wilt thou now give place to fear ? 
How canst thou want, if he provide ? 
Or lose thy way with such a guide ? 

When first before the mercy-seat, 
Thou didst thy all to him commit, 
He gave thee warrant, from that hour, 
To trust his wisdom, love, and power. 

Did ever trouble yet befall, 
And He refuse to hear thy call ? 
And has he not his promise past, 
That thou shalt overcome at last ? 

He who has helped me hitherto, 
Will help me all my journey through, 
And give me daily cause to raise 
New Ebenezers to his praise. 



246 



EDWAED WEED. 



Though rough and thorny be the road, 

It leads thee home, apace to God ; 

Then count the present trials small, 

For heaven will make amends for all.' « 

" The goodness of God is still conspicuous to- 
wards me, in raising up kind, sympathizing 
friends, and in providing amply for all my 
wants. The dear family with whom I lodge 
are still unwearied in their attentions to me. I 
lack no comfort friends can procure, and I 
know not how I could be better situated for re- 
covery. Did I suppose there was no reason- 
able prospect of my being restored to health, I 
should make an effort to return home as soon 
as circumstances would allow. If I am to die, 
it is my strong desire to die in the bosom of 
my family, and in my own country ; I should 
like to breathe my last in the arms of my dear 
wife, and in the presence of my beloved chil- 
dren, and brothers and sisters; to let you have 
the last sad office of closing my eyelids. God 
may have some better thing than this in store 
for us ; let us be prepared for the worst, and 
hope for the best. 

" 27£A. — This morning I awoke refreshed, 
and to-day I am better. The inflammation of 
my stomach is subsiding. Should you come 
in this morning you would see that I look much 
better than I did when I left home. We have 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



247 



had very fine weather here during this month. 
This morning is a very beautiful, lovely one. 
Your letters do not come regular; sometimes I 
get two or three at a time. I send papers with 
pictures to amuse the little boys ; I want you 
to let them know that I send them to them. 

I expect Brother F and his wife here, on 

their return from the continent. Whatever be- 
tides us, let us stay ourselves upon the Lord. 
He still keeps my mind in a sweet, calm, hea- 
venly state." 

" Chester, Oct. 2nd. 

" I am greatly disappointed in not receiving 
any letter for the last two weeks. Still I do not 
allow myself to be made unhappy by it ; I be- 
lieve in the truth of the Scripture declaration, 
that c all things shall work together for the good 
of those that love God. I have suffered much 
since I last wrote to you, but am better now, 
and sanguine in my hope of getting well. I 
think I am pursuing the right course to secure 
that end. My physician is aiming at one 
single point — to remove the original disease. 
His prescriptions of medicine, diet, and exer- 
cise, all bear upon that point, and I think with 
evident success. 

" 3rd. — I have laid myself down and slept, 
and arose refreshed. The Lord fills me with 



248 



EDWARD WEED. 



his goodness, and causes me to joy with ex- 
ceeding great joy. I feel very solicitous in re- 
ference to your health. I think you ought to 
set seriously about seeking its recovery. "When 
I shall return (if ever) is not yet decided in 
my own mind. My heart yearns for my home 
and family. Let us control our natural feel- 
ings and desires, artd wait patiently the de- 
velopments of Providence. The Lord is at pre- 
sent giving me a rich experience and great de- 
light in his word. I am beholding wondrous 
things out of his law: every morning I awake 
early, and my mind runs sweetly up and down, 
the Divine record. It is now Friday, 4th, be- 
tween 10 and 11 o'clock, A.M. Tou are still 
locked in slumbers, but I have been up several 
hours — have read a portion of Scripture, and 
have lifted my prayer for self, wife, little ones, 
country, and the whole work of God, in this 
dying world. I trust I shall hear from you the 
next steamer. Tell the dear children father 
prays for them, and wants them to pray for 
him." 

" Chester, Oct. 15th. 
" Last week I received two letters from you; 
bringing the date up to the 21st of last month. 
It was cheering to learn that you and the 
children were enjoying a good degree of 



FAITH AND WOBKS. 



249 



health. I am slowly but daily improving, but 
I am obliged to be very cautious on every hand 
lest I induce a relapse. My cruse of oil does 
not yet fail ; I have no anxiety for myself; I 
do, however, feel a great anxiety that you and 
the dear children shall be abundantly provided 
for, so that your mind may be relieved from all 
anxiety on that score. I hope the Lord will 
give you strong faith in his providing care. 
There are many things I should like to write 
to you about, but writing is the most trying 
labor I perform. It taxes my strength more 
than anything else, therefore I have to be very 
careful in reference to it. The Lord still keeps 
my mind in a heavenly, quiet, and peaceful 
state." 

" Chester, Oct 2ith. 
" Tour last letter came by the 4 Atlantic,' and 
arrived here, thirteen days from date. For 
the last few days I have been very unwell ; 
find all my powers very feeble, and that the 
least imprudence puts me back. The cold 
weather is going to try me exceedingly — for 
the most part I shall have to keep my room. 
I am convinced that it would be perilous for 
me to attempt to go home. I often doubt 
whether I shall ever see again my beloved 
country, my dear wife and children, my other 



250 



EDWARD WEED. 



relatives, and dear friends. All this is in the 
hands of Divine Providence, and I can leave 
it to such a wise disposal. Still it adds to my 
affliction, in my feeble state, to be thus sepa- 
rated from my dearest earthly friends. Never 
did I feel more than I do now, the need of the 
soothing influence of a loving wife and family, 
and I have the serious thought of asking you 
to come to me here ; I have many reasons in 
my own mind why this would be best, and it 
is the opinion of all the friends here, including 
my physician, that if you can, you had by all 
means better come, as it would contribute 
essentially to my comfort and recovery. You 
ask how can the means be raised ?- Sell your 
furniture, and there are many who would assist 
to raise the means, if they knew you were 

coming. Captain B , of Brooklyn, sails a 

fine new packet, which will leave New York 
the last of December or first of January. It 
will take you until that time to get all things 
ready. I hear you say, 'You have proposed 
to rne a great undertaking.' I have, indeed ; 
but will it not be best in the end for you, for 
me, and for the children ? Should I live and 
recover, it is my desire to remain and labor 
here awhile. There is an open door for me. 
Were you and the children here, I should feel 
in no hurry to return. Think over the mat- 



FAITH AKD WORKS. 



251 



ter, seek Divine direction, and decide accord- 
ing to the best light you can get, and I shall 
be content. I have been four days writing 
this letter. This morning I am better. Love 
to the dear children, to all. In patience abide 
your day." 

u Chester, Nov. ith. 
u Yours of the 22nci tilt, came to hand this 
morning, having reached here in twelve clays 
after being mailed. All your recent letters 
have come regularly. I am still very weak ; 
had a very poor time of it last week. My 
whole system is in a very languid, toneless 
state. I still indulge the hope of recovery. 
My color is pretty good ; I do not bloat, or 
feel that weakness around my body, that I 
used to. Nothing disturbs my peace. I have 
not shed a tear for weeks, only over your let- 
ters. My trust is in God, He will never, no, 
never forsake us! Even when our father and 
mother cast us off, He will take us up. Here, 
in this land of strangers, He is raising me up 
helpers on every hand. I should like to sit 
down by your side, and tell you my experi- 
ence since I left home, and point out the way 
in which the Lord has guided my every step. 
Be not discouraged. Let us patiently and 
humbly abide our day. If all men ceased to 



252 



EDWARD WEED. 



minister unto us, He could make the ravens 
feed us, as they did Elijah. The earth is His, 
and the fullness thereof, th£ gold and silver, 
and the cattle upon a thousand hills.. We shall 
le sustained. Be strong, my dear, strong in 
faith. Hath not the Savior said, ' Seek first the 
kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and 
all these things shall be added ;' and will He 
not perform his own word ? Let us trust Him, 
adopting the words of Hab. iii. 17, remem- 
bering also, that ' man liveth not by bread 
alone, but by every word which proceedeth 
out of the mouth of God.' What you record 
of the prattle of our little boys about me great- 
ly affects me ; I always weep over it. Kiss them 
again and again for me. In my last week's 
letter I wrote for you and them to come to me. 
The subject is before your mind. Seek direc- 
tion of the Lord. Act according to your best 
j udgment in the light Providence may cast upon 
your path, and I shall be content. If you come 
I shall rejoice, if you do not, I shall regard it 
in the sight of our Heavenly Father, as not 
wise, and therefore shall be reconciled. I 
would not do anything contrary to his will. 
Read the lxii. and lxiii. Psalms, also Watts' 
version of them ; they exactly express my 

present experience. Tell dear Brother W 

he must be like the Saviour, and love me to the 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



253 



end. Tell Brother and Sister C I remem- 
ber all their kindness with deepest gratitude ; 
sympathize in their trials, and pray for them 
daily. I have been all the week writing this 
letter ; it has cost me a great effort. It leaves 
me very feeble, though not immediately dan- 
gerous. Deo. Vol. I shall write T next 

week. God bless you. Adieu." 

" Chester, Nov. 13th. 

" My Dear Brother T : Your welcome, 

sympathizing letter, was promptly and speed- 
ily received, having reached here in thirteen 

days after itrwas mailed at M . I thank 

you for your supplications, and for keeping 
alive a remembrance of me in the minds of 
your dear little boys. I am truly grateful also 

to my dear M friends, for the continued 

interest they manifest in my case. I shall ever 
remember with the liveliest gratitude their 
great kindness to me. I request a continued 
interest in their prayers, and still hope, through 
the rich mercy of God, and the abounding 
supplications of my Christian friends, to be 
restored to health, and to more than my former 
usefulness. One thing, however, is very cer- 
tain, it will take a long time, great care, and 
close discipline, to restore me to my wonted 
strength and vigor. The voyage did me good ; 



254 



EDWARD WEED. 



but, unaware of my own weakness, I under- 
took to do too much in writing, reading, trav" 
eling, &c. ; the result was, immediate prostra- 
tion, and a severe attack of acute gastritis ; 
which brought me almost to the grave. I 
have suffered greatly, but at present am in the 
ascending scale. Love to all the clear friends. 
Write me soon, and give me local, rather than 
general news. The latter I get in the pa- 
pers." 

" Chester, Nov. 22nd. 
" My Dearly Beloved Wife : — Your letter 
of the 6th inst. reached me on the morning of 
the 18th, having passed from the Post-office of 
New York to Liverpool in eleven days. It 
was peculiarly pleasant to hear from you so 
direct and speedily. I perceive that you are 
still troubled with the shadows of unbelief; 
that you are like Peter, wdien walking on the 
w r ater, as the w T inds became boisterous, his 
confidence failed. So you, when you see some 
of the friends drawing back, are afraid an 1 
discouraged. Let me say, my trust has never 
been in man, nor in any particular individual, 
or class of men ; I know the weakness of men^ 
their fickleness, and readiness to grow weary 
in well-doing. My trust la 1 een, and still 
is, in the Living God, the possessor of Heaven, 



FAITH AND WCXRXS. 



255 



and He who has promised when father and 
mother forsake us, to take us up, who can 
cause the heavens to rain down bread, the 
flinty rock to give forth water, the ravens to 
feed his servants; sustain poor widows, whose 
meal and oil are just ready to fail ; spread a 
table in the wilderness in the presence of 
enemies ; who has promised never to leave us, 
or forsake us, and whose faithfulness reaches 
unto the heavens. In Him do I trust, in Him 
is my hope. And blessed be his name, I can 
this morning sweetly look up into his face, 
and say, 6 The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not 
want!' May the Lord, my dear, establish your 
heart in believing, so that the dark clouds of 
his providence, as they cross our path, may 
not disturb or perturb your soul, but lead 
you to shelter yourself more sweetly and se- 
curely under the shadow of his wing. Since 
I wrote you last, my health has been gradually 
improving; and I hope that God has yet a 
good work for me to do on earth. I am wait- 
ing with deepest interest to hear your decision 
in reference to coming here. Should you un- 
dertake to come, and take care of your sick 
husband, in a foreign land, many will sympa- 
thize with you, and lend you a helping hand. 
Should you not come, keep the place where 
you now are. Should I return, I shall want 



256 EDWARD WEED. 

t 

a home to go to. Love to the dear children, 
and all the friends." 

" Chester, JVov. 29th. 
" Yours of the 16th inst. reached me last 
evening, just twelve days -from .New York. I 
was glad to hear from you and the dear chil- 
dren, that you were ordinarily well. Will it 
ever be so with me again ? I fear not. I am 
a poor feeble man, truly an object of commis 
eration. It seems to me now, if God will 
grant me the privilege of returning home and 
dying in the arms of my wife, in the presence 
of my children, kindred, and dear Christian 
friends, it is the highest temporal mercy he 
can bestow. The Africa, one of the Cunard 
steamers, sails from Liverpool December 7th, 
for New York. After consultation with Dr. 

1ST this morning, I have concluded to make 

the effort to come in it. With a tolerable pros- 
perous voyage it will reach its landing, Jersey 
City, as early as Dec. 21. Under the circum- 
stances, it will be a great undertaking for me. 
What will be its results I cannot say; they may 
be favorable or unfavorable — result in life or 
death. It is Dr. JST 's opinion that to re- 
main would, upon the whole, be most safe, but 
if I could get home without much injury, it 
will be the best course for me to pursue, espe- 



FAITII AND WORKS. 



257 



cially considering the superior social comfort 
which I should enjoy in the bosom of my 
family. Do not be sanguine that you will see 
me at the time designated. I may not be able 
to go then. I may die on the voyage. Have 
yourself prepared for the worst, by which I 
mean the most afflictive. The Lord has raised 
me up here dear friends who are ministering 
angels to me — they do not tire in their offices 
of kindness ; I should like to sit down by your 
side and, tell you all God's gracious dealings 
with me since I left home. Truly, his mercy 
reach eth unto the heavens. May the Lord 
permit me to see you and my dear children 
once more. This will go out in to-morrow's 
steamer; in the next I hope to go myself. I 
desire you and all the friends to pray fur me." 

He kept a brief journal as he had strength, 
in which he penned the last he ever wrote, just 
before he left Chester. A few of the last dates 
will be interesting to his friends. 

"Sept. 7 th. — A severe day. Eev. E. Knill 
called to see me. 

" 8th. — Hard day. Despaired of life. Deacon 
Marsh called and prayed with me. 

" 10th. — Better. God has heard prayer. 
Many prayers have been offered by the godly 



258 



EDWARD WEED. 



in Chester for me. The Lord has awakened a 
lively interest in them for me. 

U 15£A. — Much better. Blessed in heart and. 
body. 

"23rd, — Went to Hallowell and married a 
couple. Felt poorly all day. Marriage fee £10. 

" 29th. — This week very sick ; confined to my 
room. But He who giveth songs in the night 
was with me. 

" Oct. 13th. — This week my health continued 
to improve. Wrote to Rev. II. W. JBeecher. 
Received two letters from wife; one from 
Brother Finney ; two visits from Brother Knill, 
one from Deacon Marsh, and a kind note from 
Daniel James, Esq., Liverpool. 

" 22nd. — Had a very poor day ; confined to 
house and lounge. The Dr., and Mr. and 
Mrs.T 'called on me. 

" 26th.— Had a poor day. Mind in a placid 
state. 

u 28th. — Had a comfortable night. . Rose 

some better. Mrs. T , Miss K , and 

Rev. Mr. Jones called. 

" 30th. — Arose feeble ; kept very quiet. Mrs. 
H — — called and read to me ; Mr. and Mrs. 
T — — in the evening. 

"JFov. 1st. — Better to-day. Dr. 1ST called 

and changed my medicine. Mrs. II- 

called. 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



259 



u 2nd. — -Had a good night's rest, and was re. 

freshed. Called at Mrs. T 's. Was very 

feeble all day. 

"21st. — Had a comfortable day. Mrs. K ■ 

and daughter. Mrs- H and the Dr. called. 

" 22nd. — Another good day. Mrs. H 

called. Had a sweet time in studying God's 
word together. Mrs. T called in the even- 
ing. Letter from Mr. James. 

u 2Zrd.~ Arose refreshed ; walked over to 

Mrs. H 's. Conversation wholly practical 

and religious. 

" 28th.— Quite poorly. Mr. K and Mrs. 

H called. Received letter from wife. 

"Dec. 4th — Some better. Rev. J. D. Ed- 
wards, Rev. R. Knill, D. James, Mr. and Mrs. 
T called. 

" 5th. — Still improving. Received letter from 
Brother F and £5." 

At this date his pen was laid aside, never to 
be resumed again. 

It was the opinion of Mr. Weed's friends and 
medical advisers in this country, that it would 
be far better for him to come home than for 
his family to attempt to go to England, believ- 
ing as they did, that it would probably be not 
to see his face in the flesh, but to weep over his 
grave in a foreign land. 



260 



EDWARD WEED. 



After his return, when asked by his wife his 
opinion of this arrangement, he said, " Oh, it 
was infinitely better that I should come home : 
how glad I was when tossing upoh the waves, 
that it w T asn't you and the children." 



CHAPTEE XIX. 



.RETURN TO AMERICA LAST ILLNESS DEATH 

EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS OF FRIENDS. 

The 7th of December, 1850, Mr. Weed sailed 
from Liverpool, in the " Africa." Daniel 
James, Esq., of Liverpool, to whom he owed a 
thousand obligations, and other friends in Ches- 
ter, who were unwearied in their attentions to 
him to the last, had many fears that he might 
not survive the voyage ; though it was subse- 
quently manifest to all that this too was lov- 
ingly directed by Him who suffers not a spar- 
row to fall to the ground without his notice. 

Every thing was done that loving hearts 
could devise, and active hands accomplish to 
make his voyage comfortable. His outfit and 
passage-money were provided by various be- 
nevolent individuals in Chester and Liverpool, 
many giving freely who never saw him. 
Though he had no sweet assurance when he 



262 



EDWARD WEED. 



set out that he should live to- see his native 
land, his home, and loved ones, yet his mind 
v^as kept in perfect peace and quiet. To use his 
own figure, he rested as sweetly and confidingly 
on his Saviour's bosom as ever a little infant 
did in the arms of its mother, leaving all the 
future, in sweet submission, to his Heavenly 
Father. For two days after he went on ship- 
board he was so exhausted that he was not 
able to open his Bible. When he did take it 
up to peruse its sacred pages, he opened it as 
it were casually to the cxxi. Psalm. He read 
and re-read it. It seemed to be the word and 
promise of God meeting his particular case, 
and he said he had a full, sweet assurance, 
from that hour, that he should outlive the 
perils of his voyage and reach his own beloved 
home. He was never but once again able to 
read during his whole voyage. And he was 
at that time directed to a psalm almost equally 
appropriate to his own case as this, and which 
he was enabled to receive as God's word, most 
graciously addressed to him. He remarked 
that " the presence of God alone sustained him 
— that his arms of love seemed to encircle him 
— his wing covered him, while he nestled in its 
feathers." On the 22d of December, two weeks 
and one day after he left L , he was re- 
ceived, with sorowing and rejoicing, by his 



FAITH AND W0KKS. 



263 



anxiously waiting home circle. Pale, emaci- 
ated, weak as an infant, he was carried into his 
apartments, which he never left until he took 
his final leave of them, four weeks and one day 
from the time of his arrival home. 

In a few days after his return he appeared 
much better, the bloat in his feet disappeared, 
his appetite became good, he sat up most of 
the day, walked from one room to another, and 
was hopeful that possibly he might come up 
as he had done before, when brought appa- 
rently to the very verge of the grave. The 
same earnest desire that he had felt all through 
his illness, to live to preach Christ, and him cru- 
cified, to his dying fellow-men, was strong until 
he gave up all hope. He enjoyed the society 
of his friends much, and though too feeble to 
read at all himself, he listened with great in- 
terest to the various kinds of reading in w4iich 
he had engaged in days of health ; the Bible, 
as it had ever been to him, above every thing 
else. He was never able after his return to 
lead in family devotion but once, and his 
prayer was then like one who had already 
done with earth and earthly things. He con- 
tinued along much the same for more than 
two weeks after the new year commenced, im- 
perceptibly growing weaker, until he was sud- 
denly taken worse, and survived only three 



1 



261 EDWARD WEED. 

days. Extracts from a letter written to his 
brother, soon after his death, give a concise 
and particular account of his last week. 

" Dear Brother T — ■ — : — Tour truly sym- 
pathizing letter was duly received, and you 
will think I have been long in answering it. 
Though fully aware of the painful task, I have 
for a week been trying to get time to write to 
you the particulars of the week that inter- 
vened between your leaving here and dear 
Edward's final departure. You will recollect, 

just before you left Brother C came in ; 

he stayed until after dark, read one of Camp- 
bell's sermons to him, and had some pleasant 
conversation. That night he had as comfort- 
able a time as usual. I was up with him two 
or three times. Tuesday morning he was 
bathed and dressed as usual, had eaten his 
breakfast, and I had just sat down with him and 
the children, at his own affectionate request, to 
have our season of family worship, when Be v. 
EL Belden and Mrs. C — — • called. I read a 
chapter in the Acts ; he then requested us to 
sing that psalm, that has one verse, commenc- 
ing— 



u 4 How happy all thy servants are, 
How great thy grace to me ; ? 



FAITH AND WOftKS. 



265 



which was quite a favorite of his, and Brother 

B prayed. After which Mrs. C left, 

and Mr. B and husband continued con- 
versing an hour or more with as much zest as 
he used to manifest in his days of health. To- 
ward evening Rev. C. Parker came in, and at 
his request read to him the next to the last 
chapter of Malachi, in which it speaks of the 
suns of Levi being purified. Husband made 
some remarks upon that portion of it, and they 
en<mo:ed in a conversation of some interest, 
which, though all perfectly pleasant, seemed to 

exhaust dear E very much and he asked us 

to help him on the bed. When Brother P — — ■ 
got up to go away, he said to him, 4 Charles, I 
love to have you come and see me, and talk and 
read to me, but you must not get me into a dis- 
cussion I am too weak.' He rested much as usual 
Tuesdav night, though I should think there 
was an increase of bowel irritation. Wednes- 
day he was as strong and comfortable, and 
more .so than for several days before you left. 
I had hurried the heavy work through, so as 
to get as much time as possible to spend w r ith 
him ; and oh ! my brother, you do not know 
how I coveted having him alone to myself. 
Though for the most part, when I was not 
waiting upon him, it was to sit still by his side, 
in consequence of his being so much exhausted 



266 



EDWARD WEED. 



by company. But even those were seasons of 
luxurious enjoyment, in comparison with those 
long, anxious months he was in England. 
Miss C- — , Mrs. B— , and Mrs. II—, and 
her sister made each a short call. When we 
were arranged for family worship, he requested 
me to sing the psalm conimencinsr, 

u ' Sweet is the work, my God, my King ; ? 

and he sung a part of it with me. I got con- 
siderable time to read to him, which he seemed 
to enjoy very much. 

" I observed that his relish for animal food 
was ceasing, and indeed his appetite became 
less altogether. 

" Thursday morning Mrs. P. Fields called ; 
but dear husband would not permit me to in- 
vite herin to see him until he had on his dress- 
ing-gown, and was seated in his easy-chair, re- 
marking as she came in, as an apology for keep- 
ing her waiting so long, he wanted to look as 
well as he could, so as not to repulse his 
friends, for a sick man was at best but a dis- 
gusting object. She stayed an hour or two, 
and he told her in the time he expected to go 
to P once more, but he expected to be car- 
ried there ; but added, he might possibly re- 
cover, though he did not think there was more 
than one chance in a hundred in his favor. 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



267 



He did not relish his food as he had done, but 
otherwise appeared as well as usual. About 
noon Sarah got sick, and went home, leaving 
me with every thing to do, and feeling as 
though I could not bear to leave him a mo- 
ment. In this dilemma Mrs. C , whom 

you knew at P -, and Mrs. B— — - came in. 

Mrs. C stayed the remainder of the day, 

and waited upon him. About dark Brother 

H called, and sUved all niVht and took 

care of him, and with the exception of a slight 
turn of vomiting, he had an unusually com- 
fortable night. 

" Early Friday morning Brother Williams 
called, before husband had arisen, and they 
had a conversation of an hour or more upon 
different subjects of interest. I think he took 
his pouring-bath that morning, and after he 
was dressed and seated in his rocker, he said, 
'his heart was in a glow, he was so com- 
fortable ; he thought he was gaining strength 
some, 5 and wished me to call the children in, 
and have our season of family worship. But 
calls interrupted, of one kind and another, 

until five P. M. Mrs. B came and read 

part of a sermon to him. Mr. and Mrs. 

C , from P , came and spent some 

time, and before they *left Brother H ■ 

returned, and remained until after five. Oh! 



268 



EDWARD WEED. 



how much I felt he was using up his precious 
strength, every iota of which I valued more 
than mountains of the finest gold. About five 
P. M. he began to cough, with that weak, suf- 
focating cough that you have observed in cases 
of consumption. It continued so long, I felt a 

little alarmed even before Brother H left. 

It increased afterward and with a distressing 
sense of suffocation. He became purple around 
his mouth, his hands became cold, and his 
pulse exceedingly small. At his request I put 
a wet cloth around his throat, and soon after 
gave him a small pill of opium, which allayed 
the irritation a little, and he said, 'I shall get 
a little quiet soon ; and then I wish you to call 
the children in, and sing and pray.' But the 
cough and suffocation returned, and I sent for 

Dr. B . Before he got here dear husband 

was a little easier, though the cough was by 
no means fully allayed. He said, ' perhaps, 
after all, the doctors have been mistaken, and 
my lungs have been diseased all along.' But 
Dr. B said, the cough was only sympa- 
thetic. He left medicine which quieted it. 
After he ceased coughing he fell into a doze, 
and talked incessantly for an hour or two, just 
as the thoughts passed in his mind ; after he 
ceased talking, for an hour or two more, he 
moaned every breath, but gradually fell into a 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



269 



quiet slumber, which refreshed him much, and 
in the morning he appeared comparatively 
comfortable, but weak as an infant. I watched 
alone by his side during the night, but he said 
he had no recollection of anything after the 
doctor was there in the evening, and added, 
'you must not let any one in to see me to-day,' 
(Saturday,) which I was very glad to hear, and 
implicitly followed. The doctor called to see 
him, and the barber came, and he was bol- 
stered up in bed and shaved. What he ate, I 
fed him, as I would a little infant. He suf- 
fered paroxysms of severe pain ; in the inter- 
vals he appeared more comfortable, but too 
weak to converse. I hardly left his bedside at 
all through the day. They w r ere precious, pre- 
cious hours, though I looked forward to what 
was in all probability but just before me, as 
one would in the agonizing expectation of 
losing a part of themselves ; and oh ! how un- 
reconciled I felt at the probability that he 
would never have strength to have a conversa- 
tion that we had repeatedly attempted, viz., 
his particular advice respecting myself and the 
children in case he should be taken from us. 
All he had strength to say respecting our 
lonely, destitute, desolate circumstances,* w r as 5 
'the Lord will raise up friends for you.' A 
letter was received from our dear absent Ben- 



270 



EDWAED WEED. 



jamin, and he expressed great satisfaction at its 
contents. In the course of the day I sent 

word to Brother W that we should be 

glad of his assistance through the night, and 

he and Dr. L- came and watched with 

him. I tried to sleep, but his agonizing groans 
continued all night, and he was constantly 
seeking rest by being turned from side to side. 

About four in the morning Dr. L left. 

We changed his position, and he slept an hour 
or two. Sabbath he was comparatively easy, 
but lay mostly with his eyes closed, and speak- 
ing only when he wished for something. Miss 

C came and spent most of the day. Quite 

a number of friends came in to see him. He 
sometimes opened his eyes when they came 
into the room, and closed them without speak- 
ing. Often during the day would he open his 
eyes, glance them around the room on those 
sitting there, and when they rested on me 
would close them again, with that look of satis- 
faction I have often seen an infant give its 
mother when composing itself to sleep, con- 
scious of her watchful presence. He had 
taken no nourishment since Friday except a 
little arrowroot or some very light thing, and 
there was a dreadful sinking at the stomach. 
He had been very thirsty, and drank a good 
deal of ice water, and once or twice took a. 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



271 



teaspoonful of wine. Dr. B came at even- 
ing and suggested his trying a little coffee, 
and advised giving small quantities of opium, 
if severe paroxysms of pain should occur again. 
I made a cup of coffee and some soft toast, he 
relished both very much, and was revived and 
relieved. His warm friend, Mr. Taylor, of 
Paterson, hearing he was worse, came over to 
see him. When about to leave, husband 
thanked him for his interest in him, and for 
all his acts of kindness to him and his family. 
When the little boys were ready to go to rest, 
they came as usual to their father, to exchange 
the good-night kiss for the last time. When 
they were dressed in the morning, he was in- 
sensible. Rev. J. L ■ and Brother B 

came to spend the night with him. In the 

evening Brother W and his wife called to 

see him. In answer to something Brother 

W said, he looked up, while the glories 

of heaven seemed to irradiate his countenance, 
as he said — 

" ' I can read my title clear 

To mansions in the skies, 
And not a wave of trouble rolls 
Across my peaceful breast.' 

sc For four or five months past I have not felt 
MLfc praying for but one specific temporal bless- 



272 



EDWARD WEED. 



ing — that I might come home to die in the 
bosom of my family. God most graciously 
heard me in this, and now I can say, ' The will 
of the Lord be done. His and his only? 
"Whether I live or die I am his. I expect to 
die very soon ; but I shall be clothed upon ' by 
tharhouse not made with hands, eternal in the 
heavens.' 

" He never expressed himself more beautifully 
and clearly in word, voice, and manner ; and 
he said but little afterward — nothing but to tell 
what he wanted, and to urge me to take some 
rest. His mind seemed inclined to wander, 
and about six o'clock, Monday morning, he be- 
came apparently insensible. Just before he 
fell into this state, he exclaimed, as though he 
thought he was engaged once more in his 
favorite employment, ' A.nd the poor have the 
* gospel preached to them.' I succeeded in 
arousing him, so that he spoke several times 
during the morning ; once asked for drink, 
once to have his position adjusted, and once, 
when I was trying very earnestly to arouse 
him, he affectionately exclaimed, ' My dear 
wife,' and tried to say more, but his utterance 
failed him. He continued to drink until past 
noon, and after he ceased swallowing, would 
move his lips, as though he was conscious when 
I moistened them. But for two hours he con- 



FAITH AND WOKKS. 



273 



tinned to breathe after all other motion had 
ceased. About six p.m. there was a change in 
his breathing, and he was gone, without a move- 
ment of a muscle, or a contortion of the placid 
features, at ten minutes past six, p.m., January 
20th, 1851, just one week and three hours after 
you parted with him. 

" He was buried at Paterson, Thursday, the 
23rd. Kev. S. D. Cochran and Kev. W. H. 
Ilornblower both addressed the audience. Bro. 

H and sister C , and L , with my 

own little family, were all the relatives that 
were present. Some ten or twelve other friends 
from New York went with us ; and I was told 
the church was crowded with Paterson friends, 
with weeping almost like the weeping for Jo- 
seph. Your sympathizing letter did me much 
good. The writing of this has cost me many, 
many tears. 

" Your deeply afflicted Sister, 

" Z. P. Weed." 

Friday before his death, he dwelt much upon, 
the goodness of God to him, and remarked that 
his afflictions had stirred up his mind, to see 
and adore God's particular providences to his 
children. Not a murmur escaped his lips after 
he was taken worse, and through all his in- 
tense sufferings. How sweetly were the promises 



274 



EDWARD WEED. 



recorded in Psalm xli. 1 & 3, fulfilled in 
his case— u Blessed is he that considered the 
poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of 
trouble. The Lord will strengthen him on the 
bed of languishing : thou wilt make all his bed 
in his sickness." 

Letters expressing the interest and sympathy- 
he awakened in the friends he made in Eng- 
land, have been received from various sources. 
One person, in whose family he spent some 
time, writes : — 

" When he first officiated at family worship, 
his expressive terms and fervency cemented my 
affection and heart to him. I often esteemed 
him afterwards as the prophet Elias, visiting 
the widow of Sarepta, and I do not less than 
believe that the Lord smiled on my house, in 
answer to his sincere prayers'." 

Another says, " We have reason to bless God 
that he ever came under our roof. We con- 
sidered him indeed a blessing; he took such an 
interest in all the family, and gave us such 
good counsel. I shall never forget what strong 
faith he had in God. He was a pattern to us 
all in this. He often said, 4 Whether I live or 
die, I know I am the Lord's.' " 

Another, in addressing a letter to Mr. Weed 
himself, but which did not reach here until 
after his decease, writes : — 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



275 



" My dear Sir: — We have been waiting very 
anxiously to hear of your hoped-for safe arrival 
at New York, and yesterday Mr, Kriill heard 
from Mr. James, that your name had appeared 
amongst the passengers arrived there. Every 
thing with r,egard to your leaving was arranged 
so wonderfully for you, by a kind and gracious 
Providence, that we 2^SV felt you would get safely 
home. We do sincerely congratulate your dear 
wife upon your restoration to her. If it be God's 
will, we should rejoice to hear of your restora- 
tion to health, and to renewed active service. 
The Lord needs faithful laborers in his vine- 
yard, those who are wise in winning souls. 
Whether he has more work for you to do or not, 
will soon appear. 

1 His purposes will ripen fast, 
Unfolding every hour.' 

God had work for you to do in Chester, that 
is certain, and he helped you to do it. I often 
feel as though you were brought over from 
America, to teach me the way of God more 
perfectly ; and, when you had done so, were 
sent back again ; it seemed altogether so strange. 
You will be glad to hear Jesus Christ is keep- 
ing me close to his bleeding side." 

His kind friend in Liverpool, after he heard 
of his death, wrote as follows :— 



276 



EDWARD WEED. 



" Dear Mrs. W — : I duly received your 

kind note, informing me of the safe arrival of 
your dear husband in New York, but was sorry 
to hear by the last steamer that he was no more. 
It was a great mercy that he was spared to 
reach home, and die in the bosom of his family, 
and not among strangers in a foreign land. 
"When I last saw him in Chester, I did not 
think he would ever see New York ; but after 
he was on ship-board he appeared more com- 
fortable, and I fully expected he would live to 
see his dear family before his removal from 
this vale of tears. He now rests from his 
labors. And may we all be as well prepared 
for our change, as he was. I now feel truly 
thankful that I made the effort to send him 
home to you. Many to whom I named his 
case gave me cheerfully towards his passage. 
I raised (with what I gave) among my friends 
£30. When he was leaving he gave me 

£5, which Mr. F sent him from London. 

Under the circumstances, the agent of the 
steamers was willing to take £25. So that, 
after paying his passage, I have £10 to send 
you, which no doubt you will find useful. 
May the God of the widow — the God whom 
your dear husband served, be your support in 
the hour of trial, is the prayer of your sympa- 
thizing friend, " Daniel James.'' 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



277 



The following letter was written in answer 
to a request made by Mrs. W for some par- 
ticulars respecting Mr. Weed while he was in 
Chester. 

u Queen's Park, Chester, 
February 24th, 1853. 

" My Dear Madam : — In the month of July 
last I wrote you a letter containing sixteen 
pages of note paper, which is sure to be the 
missing packet. I am sorry it is lost, as it 
will be a serious matter to write such another ; 
however, I shall feel happy to give you some 
few particulars of your excellent and much- 
lamented husband during his residence here. 

" I accidentally heard that a minister from 
America was staying in Chester for a while on 
account of his health, that he was a stranger 
here, and I immediately determined to go and 
see him ; and indeed I feel the greatest cause 
for thankfulness that I ever had the privilege 
of his acquaintance; and- although I only 
knew him the last two months of his sojourn 
here, yet that short period sutficed to give me 
a great insight into his Christian character. 
At the time I first knew him I had been a 
long while in a state of bondage very distress- 
ing. I had a large amount of scriptural 
knowledge, but the light of Life had not irra- 



218 



EDWARD WEED, 



dialed my soul. He soon discovered my state- 
of mind, and the very first conversation we 
had together on that subject was blessed by 
God to the dispelling of doubts and fears, and 
to a simple, happy reliance upon Jesus, the 
atoning sacrifice. After then he never lost an 
opportunity of turning the time we spent to- 
gether to my spiritual good. I usually spent 
an hour with him every afternoon ; and when 
I went in, after the usual inquiries after his 
health, &c, he would say, 'I have been won- 
dering whether you understand such a point 
clearly/ and then he would turn to different 
passages in the Scriptures, which would illus- 
trate the point. He had such a clear, lucid 
way of explaining things, every mist seemed 
to vanish. He would frequently say, ' I can- 
not preach now, but I want to give you clear 
views, that you may preach in my stead ; and 
to do so, it is not requisite that you should get 
up into the pulpit.' I can say with truth that 
what I learned from him has been most valu- 
able in my constant intercourse with the young 
people of my classes. 

u But though his lucid teachings, and clear 
and experimental acquaintance with divine 
things were most valuable, the example of his 
holy, filial confidence in God, was far more so. 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



279 



I have read in books, of faith like his, but I 
never witnessed so much in daily life. 

u His reliance on God was simple and child- 
like, but strong, vigorous, realizing, unshaken. 
"No wasting sickness, no racking pain, debility 
however distressing, circumstances however 
precarious, blighted hopes, and failing re- 
sources in a foreign land, awa} 7 from wife, and 
children and friends, nothing could cause his 
faith to falter, or dim the eye that saw— 

" 1 Behind a frowning Providence a smiling face.' 

" With every thing tending to make him 
think only of self, he was ever mindful of 
others, seizing any opportunity that might 
occur to press home eternal matters upon the 
minds of any who called, and to encourage the 
timid and faint-hearted. 

" I was very much struck with Mr. Weed's 
confidence in God with regard to his pecu- 
niary matters. While visiting him he never 
led me to suspect his impoverished circum- 
stances at all ; I only fancied he needed at- 
tentions in the way of nice, pleasant food, 
such as invalids always require. He once 
gave me a sovereign to purchase some warm 
articles with, when, having bought them to his 
satisfaction, I returned him the money; but 



280 EDWARD WEED. 

he would not receive it again until I assured 
him we were perfectly able to afford what I 
had laid out for him. I found out afterwards 
that this was his last sovereign, and he did not 
know where the next was to come from ; but 
as he afterwards said, c My Father has the cat- 
tle upon a thousand hills, and all the fullness 
of the earth is his, and will He let his poor, 
suffering child want ? Never !' 

" His faith was great, and God honored it. 
The circumstances of the last morning are ste- 
reotyped in my memory. His health was in a 
dreadful state, he could not walk across the 
room without holding by something. But a 
letter came from you wishing him, if possible, 
to return home, as friends in America thought 
it more desirable than that you should come 
to him; but he was in the state above de- 
scribed and without resources. However, Mr. 
James, (your kind friend,) Dr. Norton, and 
Mr. Knill consulted together. Dr. Norton 
said if he could go by the steamer which 
sailed the following Friday, (two days after,) 
he might live to reach home; if delayed any 
longer he would not be able to leave even his 
room. Mr. James said he would endeavor to 
get the funds for his cabin fare among a few 
friends in Liverpool. Mr. Knill said he would 
try to raise a sufficient sum to cover his expen- 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



281 



ses here and pay any little debts he might 
have. But two days was a short time to do all 
this in. However, Mr. James promised to 
write the next day (Thursday) to say whether 
he had been able to secure a cabin and to 
raise the requisite means. What a sickly, ex- 
citing time for a poor invalid ! What conflict- 
ing hopes and fears one would have thought 
w T ould have agitated him! Bat no; he was 
calm as an infant upon its mother's breast. 

" On Friday morning early Mr. Knill called 
to say a letter was come, the cabin was secured, 
and Mr. Weed was to leave in the two o'clock 
train. I immediately went down to arrange 
every thing for him, pack his clothes, &c. I 
found Mrs. Thomas, .his kind friend, already 
there. Though extremely faint and ill he 
gave all necessary directions. Oh ! it was a 
privilege to be with him that last morning, 
witnessing the support that faith and a meek 
reliance upon God imparted at that trying 
juncture. 

" After every thing was done for him that 
thoughtful, loving hearts could suggest, he 
lay down on the sofa for a little rest ; and I 
sat alone with him, and gazed and wondered 
to see that in the prospect of a boisterous 
voyage in December, alone and friendless, he 
could be so calm, so serene ; but, indeed, his 
24* 



2S2 



EDWARD WEED. 



head, like the beloved disciple's, was on the 
bosom of Jesus, and the everlasting arms 
were around him. He gave me his Hymn 
Book and made me mark his favorite hymns. 
I need not say how I value that as a relic of 
one whom I loved and revered as a true and 
most faithful friend. Now see the care that 
God took of his servant. A cabin, replete 
with such comforts as a vessel can afford, was 
secured for him ; Mr. Knill brought him a 
nice little sum of money, that left him com- 
fortably off after every thing was paid for ; 
his medical man, Dr. Norton, came to bid 
him adieu, and for his constant attendance 
during some months would receive nothing 
but his thanks ; one friend came with some 
warm slippers ; another with a warm flannel 
waistcoat and a pair of blankets, lest there 
should not be sufficient on board the vessel ; 
a third sent some English wine, that he liked 
and suited him ; and some came to say adieu. 
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, who were going to 
Liverpool, took charge of him. At the sta- 
tion near, our clear pastor, Mr. Knill, (who 
assisted -his tottering steps to the carriage,) 
his wife and daughter, ourselves, and others 
who came to take a lasi look. But few words 
were uttered, we saw he could not bear it, wc 
looked our adieu, and as the carriage moved 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



283 



on, and the receding train bore liim from our 
sight, we felt we should see his face no more 
in this world, but then the eye of faith soared 
upwards, and we caught a glimpse of the 
glorified body, and sanctified, happy spirit, 
bowing before the Throne. 

" ' No more fatigue, no more distress, 

Nor sin, nor fears shall reach that place ; 
No groans to mingle with the songs 
Which warble from immortal tongues. 

" * Oh ! long expected day, begin, 

Dawn on these realms of woe and sin ; 
Fain would we leave this weary road, 
And sleep in death to rest with God.' 

"Now, do we not see how God cared for 
him? All his wants were fully supplied, as 
much as it was possible under the circum- 
stances. True, he was among strangers, but 
faith in Jesus made them brethren, united to 
him by the strong family bonds of the gospel, 
and his desires were fulfilled, in that he was 
preserved through the voyage and restored to 
die among his loved ones. 

" The God, who thus cared for him, who . 
put within him that faith, and then so emi- 
nently honored it, says, ' Leave thy fatherless 
children with me, I will preserve them alive, 
and let thy widows trust in me.' I can fully 



284 



EDWARD WEED. 



understand that the example of his faith is a 
4 precious legacy' to you ; may you ever be 
enabled so to trust, and you ' shall never be 
ashamed.' 

" If the above curtailed account of the last 
two months he spent in England will be of 
any service to you, I shall be very glad. 
"Will you kindly acknowledge, as soon as you 
conveniently can, the receipt of this? With 
every feeling of respect, I am, my dear ma- 
dam, 

" Most truly and affectionately yours, 

" Janetta Harper." 



REMARKS 

ON THE 

LIFE OF EE V. EDWARD WEED, 

BY THE REV. SAMUEL D, COCHRAN, 
PATERSON, N. J., JUNE 23, 1851. 



We are informed in the Sacred Oracles, that 
the memory of the just is blessed, and that the 
Apocalyptist heard a voice from heaven, say- 
ing unto him, " Write, blessed are the dead 
who die in the Lord, from henceforth. Yea,, 
saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their 
labors, and their works do follow them." These 
transcendent benedictions most assuredly rest on 
the memory of our dear friend, whose inanimate 
body lies before us. Having long known him, 
and enjoyed much intimate association with 
him, as a most endeared and cherished friend, 
I now stand before you, to make some brief 
statements and remarks respecting his history 
and character. My acquaintance and inter- 
course commenced as far back as 1838. The 



286 



EDWARD WEED. 



confidence and cordiality of the most cemented 
friendship, have bound ns together, and have 
given me a knowledge of his heart and habi- 
tudes, his ends, aims, and aspirations ; his 
whole character, as a minister and a man, such 
as few others on earth possess. I can, of course, 
glance now at but *a very few points and facts, 
out of the many, with which I- might, with due 
time and preparation, entertain and edify you, 
and stir up your minds to emulate his saintly 
excellence. 

The first knowledge I had of him was as an 
Anti-Slavery agent and lecturer in Ohio, under 
the appointment of the Ohio Anti-Slavery So- 
ciety. In this capacity he labored some two 
or three years, encountering much opposi- 
tion, running many hazards from the violence 
of the mobs, and achieving great results over 
a large portion of the State. In this course 
of labor he was remarkably free from all the 
untempered mortar, with which so many of 
those who have been engaged in the same 
w T ork, have attempted to build the dilapidated 
walls of the temple of human freedom. No 
malign element embittered his spirit, no 
fierce and sweeping denunciations fell from his 
lips ; his manner was bland, his language mo- 
derate, his arguments well balanced, and adapt- 
ed to convince and persuade. Multitudes who 



FAITH AJSTD WOKKS. 



287 



went to hear him, full of hostility, and purpos- 
ing to make disturbance, sometimes even to 
'abuse and injure him, were led to hear him 
patiently, and a large portion of them to go 
away embracing his presentations as the truth. 
Among all the advocates of this cause who 
have served it as lecturers, there probably has 
not been one so well adapted, on the whole, to 
advaRce its interests, or who effected more for 
its happy inauguration in the heads and hearts 
of his audiences, and the communities he visit- 
ed, during an equal length of time. Oh, that 
all its advocates, by lip and pen, had been like 
him. His advocacy was that of a servant of 
God and his revelations, of one who let not his 
devotion to this cause push out of sight and 
destroy his interest in all other causes, especi- 
ally the greatest and grandest of all causes, the 
conversion and spiritual renovation of the race, 
through u the glorious gospel of the blessed 
God." In '38 he . left this work, and assumed 
the pastorship of the Free Presbyterian church 
in Mount Vernon, Ohio, having been licensed 
before he went out on his Anti-Slavery agency. 
His labors in Mount Vernon and its vicinity, 
for miles around, were most abundant and 
most propitious. Commencing with a .vast 
amount of prejudice against him and his charge, 
he succeeded in overcoming it to a most re- 



288 



EDWARD WEED. 



markable degree, in bringing many to embrace 
the gospel, and in building up the church of his 
charge. He has doubtless already struck hands 
in heaven w T ith some of those who were won to 
Christ, during his stay in that place. 

Long will his memory be blessed by many 
others there, for the spiritual good he conveyed 
to them, in stimulating them to a higher piety 
than they already possessed, or in securing their 
induction into the family of God. 

In May of '42, he deemed it his duty to 
bid adieu to that field, and transfer his labors, 
and cares, and prayers to Paterson. And you 
know with what faith, fulness, and winning 
grace he went in and out among you, and 
broke unto you the bread of life. After re- 
maining here nearly two years, he was induced 
to accept a call to the first Free Presbyterian 
church in Brooklyn, L. I. His labors there 
were highly successful, some fifty members 
being; added to the church of his charge during* 
the time he remained there. The action of 
some leading individuals in that church, which 
he has always since regarded as unjustifiable 
and wrong, and by which he was exceedingly 
grieved, led him to resign his station there, 
and to return again to this church, in accord- 
ance with a new call from it. This church 
received the residue of his earthly ministra- 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



289 



tions. About two years since, as you know, 
he was obliged to suspend his services among 
you, on account of the progress of the disease 
which has consummated its mission, by un- 
tenanting this wasted form of its inhabiting 
spirit, dismissing it to its mansions above, and 
this mouldering mortality to the tomb. 

Such is a brief outline of his history as known 
to me, and partly known to most of those who 
hear me. I will now call your attention to 
some features of his character more especially 
as a Christian, and a minister of Christ. 1st. 
I regard his personal religious history as a very 
distinguished illustration of that beautiful text 
* — " The path of the just is as the shining light, 
that shineth more and more unto the perfect 
day." His course has been most obviously 
marked with constant increase and develop- 
ment of spiritual life, passing clearly before the 
eyes of all who knew him, and had the vision 
to see it, through all the stages that conduct 
from the springing blade of first faith, to the 
maturity of the saintly character, represented 
by the full corn in the ear. It has been my 
privilege to observe this progress of develop- 
ment along the line of his progress, and to wit- 
ness its consummation in exhibitions as rich 
and precious as any I have ever known. In- 
deed, it seems almost impossible, that any one 



wo 



EDWARD WEED. 



should reach a pitch of faith more absolute, 
than he evinced towards the close of his career, 
and indeed during most of his sufferings. In 
circumstances of absolute dependence on others, 
under God, for the means of subsistence for 
himself and family, his confidence that their 
wants would be fully supplied , never once,, to 
my knowledge, seemed to falter. And most 
signally and remarkably was his confidence 
realized. The extent to which hearts and hands 
have been opened, and extended to minister to 
their necessities, is well nigh unparalleled in 
the annals even of wonder-working faith. A<rain 
and again did aid come, in the hour of extrem- 
ity, from sources and in abundance incalculable 
by any ordinary mode of estimation. And the 
same confidence that he evinced in this respect 
reigned in equal ascendancy respecting God's 
spiritual provisions for his soul's need. A few 
days before his exit, as he was expressing to 
me and one or two others present his conviction 
that he must soon die, tears buret freely from 
his eyes. A fear seemed instantly to come 
over his mind, that his emotion mi^ht be inter- 
preted by us as a token of doubt or misgiving 
respecting his future state, and he spoke out 
earnestly, "I do not weep because T have any 
fears or doubts. Blessed be God, c I can read 
my title clear to mansions in the skies.* It is 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



291 



nothing but nervous weakness." Just before, 
we had sung, at his request, that beautiful 
hymn of Watts, from which he quoted this 
line. Such was his constant state of mind, 
leading him frequently to say the same or simi- 
lar words of unfaltering reliance on the grace 
of Christ — among others — " I know in whom I 
have believed." 

2nd. He was always characterized with a 
large catholicity of spirit. He was a stranger 
to any narrow or hampering sectarianism. 
His Christian sympathies and regard were as 
large as evangelical Christianity. And it cost 
him no sacrifice of feelings or prejudices to em- 
brace and commingle with the children of God 
of every name. It was a sufficient passport to 
his heart's purest outgoings towards any one of 
all the household of faith, to know that he sus- 
tained such a relation. Hence all measures and 
efforts and prosperities of any of the different 
denominations of Christians, had his purest 
prayers, and gave him highest joy. 

3rd. He was emphatically a Bible man. All his 
hopes rested on the sure foundation of the glori- 
ous revelations of God in his Word. How many 
hours have we spent in converse on the themes 
and surpassing excellencies of the living ora- 
cles. During his sickness, his mind grasped, 
as it were, anew his old and cherished theme 



292 



EDWARD WEED* 



of the atonement. And when he came to my 
house, a little less than a year ago, he again and 
again expressed his desire to live, that he might 
tell the world about the importance of its ac- 
cepting the gospel as a positive religion, not of 
man nor by man, but of God and his given 
Son. 

4th. He exceedingly loved to preach the gos- 
pel. It was his chief delight, his meat and drink. 
And during his waning life, he clung to the 
last to the hope against hope, that he might re- 
cover, so that he might again preach the gospel, 
and preach it better than ever before. This 
was the last element of his earthly hopes, that 
went down amidst the wreck of dissolving 
mortality. 

5th. He was a very grateful man. Any favor 
bestowed upon him, by any one, commanded in 
him the profoundest gratitude. Some of his 
benefactors can doubtless testify to his expres- 
sions of gratitude, to such a degree as really to 
oppress them. And this spirit glowed with 
supreme ardor towards God. " The goodness 
of God — the goodness of God," how often was 
this on his lips ! 

6th. He was an untiring laborer. Not an 
hour of his life was spent without some assidu- 
ous application. Preparing sermons and preach- 
ing them. Studying the living oracles, or some- 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



293 



thing which he deemed valuable to him in his 
station, visiting his people, or, in some other 
way, every hour was used up. And there is no 
doubt that he overworked, and hastened the 
termination of his career. How often are min- 
isters overdoing when perhaps some of their 
people are blaming them for not doing more. 

7th. He was a very benevolent man. His 
hand was always open to give, not only to the 
full extent of his ability, but beyond. Out of 
his limited salary he told me on one occasion 
that he had given to benevolent objects some 
$700, during his pastorship, from 1842. He 
seemed fully to realize the Saviour's maxim, 
" It is more blessed to give than to receive." 



THE SUBSTANCE 



OF AN 

ADDRESS 

DELIVERED AT 

THE FUKEKAL OF EEY. E. WEED, 

BY REV. W. H. HORNBLOWER, 
Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church ofPaUrson s Jan. 23, 1851. 

Those motives which render it indelicate 
and inexpedient to make personal allusions to 
the dead, cannot operate in the present in- 
stance. We are assembled at the funeral of a 
man whose life was spent in public, and 
whose character belongs to the public ; of a 
Christian, whose spiritual experience is the 
common inheritance of all true disciples ; 
and of a pastor, the recollection of whose 
faithful labors is a solemn duty, as well as a 
pleasing privilege. Of the early life of the 
Rev. Edward "Weed, we have already heard. 
I am requested to speak of the character and 



FAITH AND WOKKS. 



results of liis labors here. The one word 
which may express the character of his life is, 
usefulness. His was a practical and a useful 
mind. His qualifications for usefulness were 
of a high order. He was a man of great 
natural ability. He might, under more pro- 
pitious circumstances, have taken a more 
conspicuous position than he actually at- 
tained. But he conquered many difficulties, 
and rose in spite of obstacles, commanded re- 
spect from all, was constantly increasing his 
influence, and if his life had been spared till 
that period when all the powers are fully ma- 
tured, he would have secured a well-merited 
name in all the churches. The deficiencies 
of early and thorough mental discipline ; the 
imperfections of an education constantly in- 
terrupted by the demands of embarrassed cir- 
cumstances, were deeply felt and lamented by 
himself. But with a natural thirst for know- 
ledge, quickened by the desire to serve and 
glorify God, he did all that could be done to 
qualify himself for the ministry of Christ ; 
and never remitted his efforts and studies till 
the fatal disease, that has taken away his life, 
rendered it necessary. In general literature 
he was well read, and believing that books 
are expressions of the character of the age, he 
made it a duty to read many of those light 



296 



EBWASD WEED. 



works in which the sentiments that are most 
popular usually find expression. In theology 
he was a close and persevering student, and 
he read with unusual discrimination, always, 
of course, preserving those tendencies which 
his theological training in college and semi- 
nary had determined. The Bible was espe- 
cially his great study ; he was familiar with 
its contents, and availed himself to the extent 
of his ability of those critical helps which our 
age has so largely multiplied. But while he 
studied this volume as a critic and a scholar, 
his heart was always as much interested as 
his head. It was the revelations of bis Heav- 
enly Father, in Jesus Christ his Son, only to 
be learned by the teaching of the Holy Ghost. 
He studied it with the keenest relish, never 
failed to extract from every part of it spiritual 
nourishment, and he found every word profit- 
able to his soul. 

One principal element in his usefulness was 
his sound practical judgment. He was never 
so much of a student as to forget the ordinary 
thoughts, feelings, and habits of the men en- 
gaged in secular pursuits. Hence his opin- 
ions were always formed upon the common 
sense views of things, and his plans were 
adapted to the world as it is. He consulted 
time and circumstances, and was seldom inju- 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



297 



diciously inappropriate. His sympathies were 
strong. He had the rare ability of putting 
himself in the position of another man, and 
then supposing how he would feel, think, or 
act in his circumstances. This enabled him 
to enter into another man's heart, and saved 
him from that asperity of feeling and judg- 
ment in reference to the views and acts of 
others which men of narrow mind entertain. 
His active and well-informed mind, his strong 
common sense and ready sympathies, added 
to great cheerfulness of disposition, made him 
a most agreeable companion. He was always 
entertaining, and without any parade of supe- 
rior intelligence, was always instructive in 
conversation. I doubt if he ever mingled in 
any circle without leaving a pleasant and 
happy impression. And w T hile he never omit- 
ted any opportunity of uttering the most 
solemn truths, and giving spiritual instruc- 
tion, he w^as wholly free from sanctimonious- 
ness, and innocent of all religious affectation. 
He never assumed the serious air or the awful 
countenance, but was always the easy and 
natural Christian friend and gentleman. He 
was industrious, persevering, and energetic in 
pursuing his plans. His power of application 
was great, and hence the success of his efforts 
were extraordinary. These habits, together 



298 



EDWABD WEED. 



with his good judgment and knowledge of the 
world, rendered him an excellent man of 
business. He received many offers of a busi- 
ness nature when a young man, which would 
have tempted a more worldly mind to forsake 
the pulpit for the desk. His facility in all 
business transactions was a great element in 
his usefulness as a pastor. All the qualities 
of which we have spoken were strengthened 
and crowned by the gifts of divine grace. 
He was a child of God, an " Israelite, in- 
deed, in whom was no guile." The strongest 
characteristic of his piety was faith. He 
rested with entire confidence on the merits of 
Christ, in beautiful simplicity confided him- 
self wholly to the care and direction of Divine 
Providence, and never doubted the love and 
active agency of God in all that befell him. 
Prayerfulness, I should suppose, was his, and 
those who lived with him probably have a 
good testimony in this respect. Lwe and 
zeal were striking characteristics of his spirit- 
ual character. He was a self-denying pastor. 
Much as you did for him, he renounced more 
for you. He was laborious. He was a friend 
to the poor and afflicted. He was faithful to 
souls. He sought not yours, but you. This 
dear friend is no more. 



FAITH AND WORKS* 



299 



{from the oberlin evangelist.] 
The late Key. Edward Weed, of Pater- 
son, New Jersey. — Such a man as Edward 
Weed should not be suffered to pass from 
earth without due honor to his worth, and an 
earnest effort to commend his excellent quali- 
ties to the general imitation of young minis- 
ters. Few men have more constantly striven 
to be faithful to souls. He was instant in 
season and out of season, and spared no labor 
or self-denial which promised to result in the 
edification of Christians, or the conversion of 
sinners. And he was uncommonly success- 
ful. Powerful revivals blessed his ministry, 
and the churches of which he was pastor 
grew in grace and in the knowledge of Christ. 
It was the happiness of the writer to assist 
him in some of his special efforts, and the re- 
membrance of the energy, faithfulness, and 
wisdom, which he showed on these occasions, 
will not easily be erased from his mind. 
Though unusually prudent in the use of his 
strength, he was, like Paul, ever ready to be 
offered for the spiritual benefit of his fellow- 
men ; and perhaps, in the circumstances of 
his people, he saw occasion for the laborious 
exertion which involved the sacrifice of his 
remaining health and his valuable life. Be- 



300 



EDWARD WEED. 



fore Edward "Weed became a pastor lie acted 
in the State of Ohio as an anti-slavery lectu- 
rer. Though no man displayed more uncom- 
promising fidelity, he was heard in the days 
of mobs and Lynch law with unusual accept- 
ance, and gained a patient, favorable hearing, 
where many others would have been repulsed ; 
for he knew how to blend in harmonious 
union the utmost plainness of speech and 
winningness of manner, and to eschew in 
the faithful urging of powerful argument and 
effective appeal, the " grievous words that stir 
up anger." He made most men feel that he 
was guileless and transparent as a child, and 
was endued with a kind, genial, and truly 
friendly and liberal spirit. He carried these 
qualities with him through life, and they en- 
deared him to many who owed their salvation 
to God's blessing on his unflinching fidelity 
in rebuke and admonition. 

Edward Weed was a remarkably studious 
man. Though so abundant in active labors, 
preaching, lecturing, visiting, &c, more than 
most pastors, he always found time for study. 
Even amidst his special efforts, or while tra- 
velling as an agent or public lecturer, he 
rarely let a day pass in which he did not 
faithfully devote some time to careful mental 
improvement. The fruit of his efforts ap 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



801 



peared in a constant improvement in his 
preaching and other public efforts, so that he 
was a growing man until the ability to study 
utterly ceased. The practical end of study 
he always held in view : to know the truth 
better himself, to live in it better, and to con- 
duct his people onward and upward, while he 
sought himself unostentatiously to lead the 
way. 

Edward Weed was eminently an indepen- 
dent man. He had no pride in his indepen- 
dence, but, as a Christian duty, he endeavored 
on every subject to think and act for himself. 
He was ever ready to acknowledge and avail 
himself of superior knowledge or wisdom, but 
he appeared never to lose sight of his personal 
responsibility for his opinions and line of ac- 
tion. Splendor, acuteness, or depth of intel- 
lect, had his warm, unstinted admiration ; but 
they could not cramp the free exercise of his 
own powers, much less dazzle or fascinate him 
into subjection. And we have mistaken his 
character, if he did not wish the humblest 
mind he was called to instruct to be indepen- 
dent in the same sense ; and that the unity 
of the saints around him should be founded 
on no slavish reliance on human authority, 
but on an humble, honest, and industrious 
endeavor, on the part of all and each, to see 



302 



EDWARD WEED. 



the truth with their own eyes, and perceive 
it with their own minds. His honest inde- 
pendence, and hearty toleration of the inde- 
pendence of others, were among the virtues 
that made him one of the most beloved of 
ministers, and one of the most agreeable of 
associates and fellow-laborers. As a conse- 
quence of the honesty and independence of 
his character, he was ever ready to prove all 
things new, of a promising aspect ; and sturdy 
in holding fast what was precious in the old. 

He was one of the last men to set his sail to 
catch the popular breeze, and one of the last, 
too, to rush into an unexamined novelty. 
When he had become satisfied of the claims 
of any new view of truth, or of any proposed 
reform, it was as far as possible from his 
practice to hurl anathemas at such as were 
not found promptly to fall into the new -form- 
ing ranks. But it was his zealous endeavor, 
while he avowed his own convictions with 
the utmost frankness, to choose acceptable 
words and arguments, with which to com- 
mend the cause he had espoused to the minds 
and hearts of other men. Conscious of no 
moral cowardice or time-serving policy him- 
self, he was slow — without overwhelming 
evidence — to ascribe those odious qualities to 
his brethren. He did not, however, shut his 



FAITH AND WORKS. 



303 



eyes to the faults of individuals or classes in 
the state or in the church. So far as the 
faculty of discernment was given him, he re- 
garded it as his solemn duty to see things 
just as they were, " to extenuate nothing — to 
set down naught in malice." But when he 
brought a charge, or uttered a rebuke, it 
was done in the spirit of moderation and 
love, and with unsparing fidelity. His blows 
inflicted only the faithful wounds of a friend. 
To private friends he was as faithful as to his 
public charge, and the pungency of his- re- 
bukes and admonitions mingled ever with 
the fragrance of love. 

Edward Weed loved the gospel of God's 
love. It was the treasure of his own soul, 
and he loved to preach it to perishing men. 
The amplitude of the provisions of mercy, the 
riches of grace, the fullness of the promises, 
the glory and terrors of the law, were themes 
on which he dwelt with holy and ever-grow- 
ing enthusiasm. His passions circled around 
the cross. It was to his soul the centre of in- 
finite attractions, and the radiant centre of 
light. He gloried in his functions as a minis- 
ter of Christ, and it was bis joy as well as 
highest honor. And in his ministrations it 
was seen that the unction from the Holy One 
was upon him. It w r ould, however, be a great 



804 EDWARD WEED. 

mistake to suppose that lie dwelt in a region 
of excitement. His strong interest in the 
high realities of revelation had become to 
him so much a second nature, that a calm 
and cheerful sobriety was one of his striking 
characteristics. 

Edward Weed was a remarkably happy 
Christian. He almost always wore a cheer- 
ful, beaming countenance ; the buoyancy of 
his heart continued to his dying day. After 
he had been long sick, he wrote to a friend, 
that his long afflictions had not drawn a tear 
from his eyes, but that the kindness of his 
friends had made him weep many tears of 
gratitude. His last words, as reported in the 
" New York Independent," expressed the 
fixed peace and calm joy of his departing 
soul. He has left behind him many men of 
deeper learning, many of more brilliant ge- 
nius, many who occupied more conspicuous 
posts of influence, but it would be hard to 
find one of whom, were he gone, it could be 
more emphatically said, he was a lovely, a 
noble, and a true man. 

John Morgan. 



APPENDIX. 



NOTE A. 

One of the last things that Mr. Weed did, before he 
was taken ill in 7 49, was in company with a brother 
minister, to canvass Passaic County, soliciting subscrip- 
tions to redeem a pledge that had been made to the 
County Bible Society to raise $1,000 in that County 
for the benefit of said Society. He headed the sub- 
scriptions of the members of his own church and con- 
gregation with $10. He was soon after taken sick, his 
labors suspended, and his household goods, horse and 
carriage, were sold to pay his debts. Many of his 
friends thought his circumstances should release him 
from responsibility to pay this subscription ; but ho 
considered it as much a debt as his grocery bills, and 
earnestly requested that whether he lived or died, it 
might be duly paid. Thus did he ever " Seek first the 
kingdom of Heaven and its righteousness" 



H 132 82 



